4-23 HP

Kidsbridge, Children’s Home Society join forces

BY SUE FERRARA

Local parents with children in Pre-K to 8th grade are likely to be familiar with a Mercer County program known as Kidsbridge, a 27-year-old endeavor with a mission “to provide young people with a foundation to grow as empathetic individuals who become positive advocates for themselves and others, empowering them to challenge racism, bias, bullying, and other forms of discrimination.”

Since 2002, Lynne Azarchi, who is originally from Trenton but now lives in West Windsor, has led Kidsbridge as executive director, curriculum designer, promoter, and the champion of the idea that all children can learn to be kind and caring to one another. But as with many orchestras, there comes a time when the maestro hands the baton to a new conductor.

That happened earlier this year when Kidsbridge found a new home under the auspices of the Children’s Home Society, a Trenton-based nonprofit which

See KIDSBRIDGE, Page 12

‘The Wedding Singer’

Colleagues remember long-time AD Gazdek

BY RICH FISHER

Player, coach, administrator, volunteer, friend, husband, father.

Hamilton dance school imbues students with Irish traditions

BY THOMAS KELLY

Irish dance is colorful, energetic and traditional. Originating in the 1600’s from Celtic celebrations, these dances are usually defined by limited upper body movements and energetic, fastpaced footwork.

The Kotelnicki School of Irish dance continues teaching these

traditional dances in Hamilton at their studio on Route 33. Training children from ages 4 up through age 22 when students may be in competitions in the US and around the world.

Justin Kotenicki and his sister Erinn Kotelnicki Rasin, have been operating the dance studio since 2010. Now located at 2251 Route 33 near the Hamilton and Rob-

binsville border, the school trains students 4 evenings a week after school and early evening.

Their mother, Maria McKnight, was born in Ireland and was a championship dancer herself. When Justin and Erinn were growing up in Hamilton she drove them to Scotch Plains and Richboro, Pennsylvania, for Irish

See IRISH, Page 10

Those were some of the titles held in life by Steve Gazdek, not necessarily in order of importance. The list of superlative adjectives to place in front of them could go even longer –friendly, popular, energetic, loyal, unassuming, polite, tough, courageous; to name a few. Although born and raised in Piscataway and residing in Cranbury and Jackson as an adult, “Gaz” was woven throughout the Hamilton Township athletics fabric for 26 years and made an indelible mark. He retired as Steinert Athletic Director in late 2021 and his untimely death at age 63 on Feb. 27 sent shock and grief through the Hamilton school district and beyond.

“Steve was an amazing person,” said Notre Dame High Athletic Director Nate Webber, who was hired by Gazdek at McCorristin (now Trenton Catholic) as its head basketball coach in the 1990s and became his principal when Gaz worked at Steinert in the 2010s. “He was always willing

See GAZDEK, Page 30

Hamilton High School West students Sean Sobke, Anthony Supoy, Melodie Arzayus-Rigelon, Kamryn Mooney, James Murray (as Robbie Hart), Ellie Campbell, Sabria Spell, Alex Mogan and Ellie Povia perform in “The Wedding Singer” musical on March 9, 2023. For more school musical photos, turn to page 14.

Township Republicans tap mayoral, council candidates

Hamilton Republicans got together on Feb. 28 at their municipal convention to select candidates for the 2023 election. The mayor’s office, as well as two seats on township council, are up for election this fall.

For Hamilton High School head baseball coach and Nottingham High athletic director Marty Flynn was selected as candidate for mayor.

Flynn spent seven years working for Hamilton Township as director of economic development and director of health, recreation, senior and veterans service, most recently in Mayor Kelly Yaede’s administration.

Gino Melone and Mike Chianese were selected as candidates for the Hamilton Township Council. Melone was a councilman in Trenton for 16 years. He is retired with 35 years of service with Mercer County government, including most recently the Mercer County Division of Consumer Affairs.

Melone has served eight elected terms as Grand Knight of the Trenton and Hamilton Council Knights of Columbus.

Chianese has recently retired from a career at the State of New Jersey in management positions in facility operations and new construction with the Department of Information Technology, Department of Puiblic Safety and Department of the Treasury.

He has also served as a fire commissioner in Hamilton and as chair of the Hamilton Republican party.

Previously announced to be running against the Republican slate in November are Democratic Mayor Jeff Martin and council members Pasquale “Pat” Papero and Nancy Phillips.

New Jersey primary elections, in which candidates will formally be nominated by their parties, are scheduled for June 6, with early voting scheduled for June 2-4. Election Day will be Nov. 7.

See NEWS, Page 6

Hamilton Post

We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Hamilton Post is for local people, by local people. As part of the community, the Gazette does more than just report the news—it connects businesses with their customers, organizations with their members and neighbors with one another. As such, our staff sets out to make our town a closer place by giving readers a reliable source to turn to when they want to know what’s going on in their neighborhood.

EDITOR

Joe Emanski (Ext. 120)

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Ferrara, Rich Fisher

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS

Peter Dabbene, Thomas Kelly, Robert Sherman Jr.

AD LAYOUT & PRODUCTION

Stacey Micallef (Ext. 131)

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jennifer Steffen (Ext. 113)

Community News Service

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TO ADVERTISE call (609) 396-1511, ext. 113 or e-mail advertise@communitynews.org

smires & associates would like to welcome our new agents

2330 Route 33, Suite 101, Robbinsville, NJ 08691 Office: 609-259-1414

375 Farnsworth Ave., Bordentown NJ 08505 Office: 609-298-9888

smiresandassociates.com

Michael

Sales Associate

Cell: 609-591-0277

Email: michael.ridolfino@outlook.com

Robbinsville

Bright & light condo,1

Robbinsville $380,000

Linda LeMay-Kelly, BA

Cell: 609-651-3583

The Lofts! Stunning 2 bed, 2 bath, 2nd floor corner unit. Many upgrades including new HVAC. Full gym, assigned parking. Just steps away from restaurants & shopping & close to Mercer County Park.

w estA mpton $267,000

Linda LeMay-Kelly, BA

Cell: 609-651-3583

Great pride of ownership is reflected in this wonderfully cared for home. 3 beds, 1 bath, many updates! Easy access to 295/541/38 and NJ Turnpike.

Wendy D’Orazio

Sales Associate

Cell: 609-672-5159

Email: wendydorazio@gmail.com

Frank Barkosky

Sales Associate

Cell: 609-915-8791

Email: frank.barkosky_RE@outlook.com

Allentown $279,000

Edward Smires, BROKER

Cheste R field $349,900

Edward Smires, BROKER

Cell: 609-638-2904

Property is approximately 4 acres. This property is located in the receiving area of TDR’s with the potential of allowing 16 single family units offering public sewer and water. Please contact the listing agent for further details.

Robbinsville $785,000

William “Bill” Perilli, SA Cell: 609-635-7370

Joseph Perilli, SA Cell: 609-947-2435

Cell: 609-638-2904

Approved 10 acre + building lot. Located in most sought after Upper Freehold. Wooded lot sits atop an elevated area w/rolling hills, serenity & scenic views. Surrounded by preserved farmland.

hA milton $625,000

Terry Parliaros, SA

Cell: 609-610-2252

To be built - 4 bed, 2.5 bath colonial, approx. 2,300 sq ft. Partially wooded, private 1/2 acre lot in the heart of the square. 9ft ceilings on 1st floor. Full basement w/8 ft ceilings. 2 car garage.

Allentown $1,290,000

Edward Smires, BROKER

Cell: 609-638-2904

94 + acres located just outside of historic Allentown. Excellent well drained

block to the beach. Recently renovated with basement storage,1 assigned parking space. Great location, walk to everything. Hurry Summer is coming!

Denise Fattori, SA Cell: 609-273-4224

$495,000

Stylish 2 bed, 1st floor condo with updated bathroom & screened in patio. Great location within the community that has 2 swimming pools, tennis courts, a clubhouse & more!

Natalie Smires, SA

Cell: 609-477-3168

$279,900

“give it your all”

Ridolfino

Mercer County Technical Schools superintendent settles in

Mercer County Technical Schools and Mercer County Special Services School District has welcomed a new superintendent this year: Matthew Carey. Carey was born and raised in New Jersey. After honorable service in the United States Marine Corps, he attended Stockton University. Carey then went on to earn two master’s degrees from Holy Family University. He also completed Model 4 of the New Jersey EXCEL Program in order to earn his school administrator certification.

During the course of his career, he has served as a special education teacher,

supervisor, assistant principal, director of special services, director of student services, and most recently, as superintendent of the Pittsgrove PreK12 school district in South Jersey.

For more information about the Mercer County Technical Schools and Special Services School District, go online to mcts.edu and mcsssd.info.

Bank to provide ‘First Front Door’ funding to help home buyers

The 2023 funding round for First Front Door is now open with $8.5 million available in homebuyer grants. FFD provides

Under New Management!

down payment and closing cost assistance to qualified first-time homebuyers with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income. The program provides a 3-to-1 matching grant. For every $1 provided by the homebuyer, FFD will provide $3 in assistance, up to $5,000.

To qualify for the First Front Door Grant, one must confirm that they are a firsttime homebuyer who has not owned a single-family home used as their primary residence in the last three years. This also includes if purchasing jointly with other individuals, at least one person has not owned a single-family, primary residence in the last three years. Potential borrowers must commit to owning the home for five years, complete required homeownership counseling prior to closing and contribute personal funds toward down payment and closing costs.

For more information, contact Alex DiTullio, vice president, mortgage lending officer. (856) 656-2201 Ext. 1058.

Environmental commission set for annual stream cleanup

On Saturday. April 15 from 8 a.m. to noon, the Hamilton Township Environmental Advisory Commission, and the Hamilton Green Team will conduct the township’s 20th annual Stream and Community Cleanup.

Like local ponds and streams everywhere, Hamilton’s are dumping grounds for litter of all kinds. Everything from tires to used diapers to snack wrappers can be found in or alongside our waterways. This litter buildup is more than ugly.

Accumulated litter that gets swept from where it’s been dumped can and does end up blocking our stormwater system. It leads to localized flash floods that impact roads, public lands, and private properties. Discarded cans, bottles and other containers can cause injuries, and if they contain hazardous substances, can be especially dangerous.

Every year, the township identifies streams and litter hot spots most in need of attention. Commission and Green Team members lead teams of volunteers in cleaning up these sites.

Anyone interested in participating in this year’s Stream and Community Cleanup can help by meeting up at the Kuser Farm Parking Lot, 30 Newkirk Ave., Hamilton

NJ 08610. Participants are advised to wear long sleeves, long pants and sturdy shoes or boots. It is also advised for cleanup crew members to wear work gloves and bring a water bottle. Volunteers will be asked to follow a guide by car to various streams for cleanup.

For more information, contact commission chair John Balletto at jhballetto@ gmail.com.

Hamilton doctor finishing up term leading Vascular Society of N.J.

The Vascular Society of New Jersey will held its Annual Scientific Meeting on March 9 where the members elected new leadership. After a two-year term the society’s President Dr. Alissa BrotmanO’Neill was just the society’s second female leader.

“We have tried to encourage women to continue their education toward vascular surgery here in New Jersey, and I have worked to bring more women into the fold over these last two years,“ said Brotman O’Neil.

Nationally, females only make up 15% of vascular surgeons and here in NJ, our society membership is at 14%. However, those who are younger are at a higher percentage. 38% of those vascular surgeons younger than 39 years old are female and 24% of those who are 40-49 as opposed to 11% of those 50-59 and 3.5% of those 60 or older.

“There is an opportunity, especially on International Women’s Day to shine a light on women in STEM and encourage them to pursue vascular surgery as a discipline.” said Brotman-O’Neill.

Brotman-O’Neil is a former valedictorian and graduate of Steinert High School in Hamilton, graduate of Harvard University and a dedicated alumnus of UMDNJSOM (now Rowan-Virtua). She did her general residency at UMDNJ where she served as chief resident. Dr. BrotmanO’Neill performed her vascular fellowship at Mt. Sinai Englewood division and is also Board certified as well as RPVI credentialed. She is incoming chair of surgery at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine.

She is passing the gavel and the baton to Dr. Elliot Sambol, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania and UMDNJ NJMS, served as a resident at NYU Medical Center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Fellowship at NY Presbyterian Hospital. He is double board certified in both Vascular Surgery and General Surgery and also has RPVI credentials. He is a partner at Princeton Surgical Associates.

See NEWS, Page 8

Carey

Hamilton Rotary hosts 9th annual Soup 4 You cookoff

HOWARD LE JAMBRE

The Rotary Club of Hamilton Township held its 9th Annual Soup for You Cookoff on Feb. 27 at the RWJ Wellness Center, reporting record crowds.

My Beloved Friend and Mentor

More than 240 people sampled soup from seven participating restaurants participating. The seven restaurants were the Mercer County Culinary School; Brookwood Café; Killarney’s Pub; Jersey Girl Café; RWJ Hamilton Café; LaPiazza and Mannino’s 3.

Restaurants competed for prizes for best soup. First-place winner was the

Mercer County Culinary School with its stuffed pepper soup. Second place went to Killarney’s Pub with its cream of chicken rice soup. The Rotary Club says that the funds raised from the event will go directly to Rotary programs.

Thank you Howard for the opportunity to help serve all of our wonderful customers over the years at your Barber Shop. You will always be remembered and greatly missed by all.

“I am always amazed by the strong sense of community all our businesses have in Hamilton and by the exceptional restaurants we have. Never a need to go to New York or Philly for the best food,” says Hamilton Rotary president Diane Grillo.

Thank you my friend for all the memories.

With Deepest Sympathy to your friends and family, Brenda

The Barber Shop

As a new chapter unfolds for me in 2023, I invite all of our friends and customers to visit me at my new place of employment.

Beginning in early February, I will be at The Barber Shop of Hamilton

As a new chapter unfolds for me in 2023, I invite all of our friends and customers to visit me at my new place of employment. Beginning in early February, I will be at The Barber Shop of Hamilton located at 1959 Highway 33, Hamilton Square.

For more information, please call the shop 609-586-6029 or my cell 609-947-0155.

For more information, please call the shop 609-586-6029 or my cell 609-947-0155.

I appreciate your loyalty.

I appreciate your loyalty.

Brenda

Brenda

Kathy Rana of Jersey Girl Café serves soup at the Rotary Club of Hamilton Township’s 9th annual Soup 4 You cookoff, held on Feb. 27, 2023 at the RWJ Wellness Center.

MCCC Academic Theatre and Dance Company to present hip-hop production April 14-16

“The Shadow Men,” an original dance theatre production inspired by 19 artworks and interviews with local Trenton artist Tamara Torres, will be performed by the Mercer County Community College Academic Theatre and Dance Company at Kelsey Theatre April 14-16. Inspired by the parts of Torres’s life story and her artwork, the MCCC Academic Theatre and Dance Company draws inspiration to work through topics such as feminism, mental health awareness and racial inequality to create a haunting and thrilling production.

Combining ingredients of theatre and dance, the show will feature a blend of hip-hop, tango, contemporary dance, drama, stunts, jump scares and cross dressing to tackle Torres’s life and art.

“This production is going to be the theatrical event of the season in Mercer County,” said Jody Gazenbeek-Person, coordinator of the theatre and dance program at MCCC. “The Kelsey has never

staged an event like this before.”

Gazenbeek-Person continued: “The really beautiful thing about this show is that it reveals to the audience how to enter into and get more out of any work of art at the deepest possible level.”

FindYourADVENTURE!

MCCC’s Academic Theatre and Dance student ensemble includes: Hannah Kay Aquirre, Cole Chulamanis and Ludnie Lubin of Hamilton; Lisbeth Burgo of Lawrence Township; Benjamin Fogg and Jerée Moët Phillips of Ewing; Gigi Garcia, Jack-

son Jules, Valmiki Rajan, Trinity Miller and Brianna Gonzalez of Trenton; Michael Havardansky of Princeton; Melissa Bari Hemel of Hightstown; Mackenzie Kohlmayer of Yardville; Nlijah Muhammad of Burlington Township; Shayna Ryan of Allentown, Jordan Shutz of Chesterfield; and Arianna Silva of West Windsor.

The show is a collaborative effort with portions directed by Jody GazenbeekPerson from Newark and Deena Jile’s Shu’aib of Trenton and includes dance scenes choreographed by GazenbeekPerson, Theresa Flim and Jennifer Gladney of Lawrence and Jill Molinaro of Monmouth County. The show is produced by Gazenbeek-Person and Kelsey Theatre Artistic Director Kitty Getlik, and stage managed by Nancy Mitrocsak.

Performance Dates are Friday, April 14 at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 15 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets for “The Shadow Men” are $22 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. Tickets are on sale at kelsey.mccc.edu or by calling 609-570-3333 or email boxoff@mccc. edu. The show will also be livestreamed for residents who cannot make it to the theater. For more information about live streaming, visit tamaratorresart.com.

Kelsey Theatre is located on the MCCC campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road in West Windsor. Web: kelsey.mccc.edu.

At Sawmill Summer Day Camp we have 50 acres of outdoor space, the largest pool in Mercer County, fun activities ranging from sports to crafts and STEM, youth programming, special events, themes and traditions. 5 fun-filled days for campers to find their spark, find their sense of wonder, find their friends and FIND THEIR ADVENTURE!

The Hamilton Township Republican Committee has announced its candidates for municipal office for 2023. Nominated are Marty Flynn (center) for mayor and Gino Melone (left) and Mike Chianese, will be running for township council. See story, page 4.

RISTORANTE & PIZZA

DINE & DONATE DAY

1973

YEARS

In honor of our 50th Anniversary, Brother's Pizza on Rt. 33 will host a "Dine and Donate Day" for a local charity. We have chosen one Sunday per month to donate 50% of our sales to a featured 501c organization. Please support our cause to give back to our community!

RISTORANTE & PIZZA

UPCOMING CHARITABLE EVENTS:

2023

MAY 21: Miracle League

JUNE 11: NJ Autism

JULY 9: Joeys Little Angels

AUGUST 6: Whats My Name

SEPTEMBER 10: Ryans Quest

1973

OCTOBER 8: I Believe in Pink

NOVEMBER 12: Shine & Inspire

DECEMBER 10: OneProjectNJ & Mobile Meals of Hamilton

DOUGH RAISED:

YEARS

JAN. 15: Sea Girt Polar Plunge $4,733.56

FEB.19: Deborah Heart & Lung $3,680.33

MAR.12: The Hamilton YMCA $4,398.07

2023

Please consider visiting the websites of these organizations for additional donation opportunities!

dance lessons. They also attended the Ryan-Kilcoyne School of Dance, where they both rose to championship competitive levels.

Justin joined the Lord of the Dance, the wildly successful music and dance, stage production. The Lord of the Dance was originated by Michael Flatley after he left years of touring with Riverdance, which was also an Irish music and dance touring theatrical performance.

For nine years, Kotelnicki toured the world with Lord of the Dance. Seeing 40 countries and every U.S. state was quite the experience. With 32 dancers Kotelnicki learned a lot about working with a team.

“Michael Flatley was tough. He expected perfection. He wanted us at our best as he told us people are paying hard-earned money to come and see us. He wanted the audience to leave with a terrific experience. If the dancers did not buy into that idea, they would really be the odd man out,” he says.

Kotelnicki toured the world for almost 10 years, and needed a break. He wanted to stay involved in Irish dance, so he started the school, teaching in church basements at Saint Paul’s in Princeton, Saint Raphael’s in Yardville and the Notre Dame School in Lawrence.

“We would have 4-6 kids at a time with

the three different venues to practice in. It was kind of crazy,” he says.

Later, Kotelnicki took space in a building by the Iceland Rink in Hamilton.

Where other area dance studios offer many types of dance instruction, Kotelnicki’s school offered only Irish dancing.

“We are definitely specialists in the

dance type. This area has a long Irish heritage, but we get students from every background and type. The dancing is energetic and terrific for fitness,” he says.

Kotenicki has a day job with the State of New Jersey in the Department of Health and Human Services. He is in the Quality Control division and focuses on compliance, making sure people do not abuse the benefits system but do get what they are due to help them sustain.

He lives in Hamilton, with his wife Karina, who works in accounting at Bristol Myers Squibb, and two daughters, Milanya, 4 and Viviana, 2.

Erinn Kotelnicki Rasin, in addition to teaching at the school is a Child Psychologist and Counselor with the East Brunswick, school district.

The pandemic hit the school hard, as it did many similar organizations.

“Covid cut us in half. We went from 100 students to none and then to half of that now. We were in the same boat as gyms, restaurants and hair salons with the restrictions, distancing and protocols. We were much different upon resuming though. Where we had kids who started at 4-6 years old and move up, we had gaps in the enrollment due to pandemic. That was much more difficult to deal with as there were no kids moving up,” he says.

“We did come out of the pandemic with

NAMED A 2022–23

NAMED A 2022–23

BEST ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

BEST ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

We’re so proud to offer our residents the best of the best—from dining and fitness centers to social calendars—because we don’t just care for you, we care about you. As a nationally ranked Senior Living community, we’re proof that doing what you love is always worth it. So come do it here.

We’re so proud to offer our residents the best of the best—from dining and fitness centers to social calendars—because we don’t just care for you, we care about you. As a nationally ranked Senior Living community, we’re proof that doing what you love is always worth it. So come do it here.

WE LOVE OUR COMMUNITY. The experts do, too.

WE LOVE OUR COMMUNITY. The experts do, too.

Justin Kotelnicki, front left, and Erinn Kotelnicki Rasin, front right, with dancers from the Kotelnicki School of Irish Dance.

the help of some parents who desperately wished for their kids to get out of the house and have some exercise. They wanted them out in social circles again.”

To get started dancing, there is not much equipment to bring. The kids are encouraged to begin with sneakers and then maybe Capezio type ballet slippers.

“The no-laces ballet slippers are very helpful,” says Kotelnicki. “They are great, I don’t spend half the class tying shoes for the kids.”

The school has a few levels. There are beginners, intermediate, pre-championship and the competitive Championship level. Irish dance is currently taught as a cultural and a cross training skill. “High intensity drills, create strength and muscle memory. There may be a 20 minute warm up with high repetitions that will build stamina for the dancers,” he said.

“In competitions the dancers are allotted all the exact same amount of time between 1 to 2 minutes, which seems short, but these are energetic dances.”

Both Kotelnickis have competed at high levels and understand the discipline and training needed, but also the fun and excitement for the students.

“We have 3 students competing in the 2023 World Championships at the Montreal Convention Center in Montreal, April 2 through the 9th. It is a big deal. You must qualify at local and nation levels before competing in the World Championships.”

The World Championships are usually held in Ireland or Europe, so this year is a little closer for U.S. competitors. The World Championships will bring in participants from Ireland, England, Canada, Australia, Asia and South America in addition to dancers from the U.S.

“It will be at least 100 dancers. It’s not

huge, but it is the best of the best.” Says Kotelnicki. “The dancers are excited, nervous and full of energy. We have been working toward this since the Christmas break. I will coach them a little in the morning and then they are competing. They will have “good” nerves and we are excited to see how they perform.”

Right now the Kotelnicki Irish Dance School has all female students. “We would love to have some male students. Golfer Rory McIlroy, fighter Colin MacGregor were Irish dancing as lads, both swearing that the dancing increased their mobility and stamina. Both the Irish national soccer and rugby teams incorporate Irish dancing into their training regimens.”

Soon after opening the school Kotelnicki took a class of students and their parents to see Lord of the Dance on Broadway. When Michael Flatley heard that his former dancer had opened a school in NJ he came out to meet with Kotelnicki and catch up.

“It was so nice and supportive of him. He was very encouraging and was glad to see that I had opened a school. I had come full circle,” he says. “We are ingrained in the area here. Growing up here, eating fish and chips at the Hibernians Club on Kuser Road is all part of it. The kids and parents all look forward to being in the Saint Patrick’s Parade in Hamilton each year.

“As much as I enjoyed performing in front of packed halls all over the world with the Lord of the Dance show, I love the teaching of the traditional dances even more. I love that we have trained hundreds and hundreds of kids. I love that we pass on the knowledge, dance, music and traditions. This was all from my mother. It is a legacy.”

Web: kotelnicki.com.

started in 1894. Azarchi will stay on for the foreseeable future, but the management of the program will now be the job of CHS administrator Mike Roseborough, who joined CHS in June 2022, after working with the Princeton-area YMCA.

Born in New Jersey, Roseborough, by his own admission, has lived in many Garden State locales. “I claim North Brunswick as home,” he said, “because I went to high school there.” Currently, he lives in Middlesex Borough.

The Children’s Home Society has a long history of helping children and families. Organized in 1894 by the Rev. M.T. Lamb, an article in the New Brunswick Daily Times, dated on July 19 that year, noted the primary mission was to find homes for children without parents.

This was done with the assistance of local boards, who vetted potential adoptive parents. The role and mission of the organization has grown; next year, CHS will mark 130 years of serving Mercer County children in need. The organization clearly states its mission as “Saving Children’s Lives and Building Healthy Families.”

As an agency, Roseborough said, CHS is “everything children and families.” CHS has clinical programs and social

work programs as well as a mobile WIC program.

The nonprofit still honors its original mission and facilitates adoptions. CHS also runs Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

Kidsbridge has had several homes during its existence, starting in Trenton. In 2006, Azarchi found the organization a home at The College of New Jersey.

By 2017, the college could no longer host the program, and Kidsbridge moved at the Ewing Township Senior and Community Center. Azarchi kept the program alive through the pandemic, but shortly before the organization’s 2022 Awards Ceremony, there was a flood in the center. The time had come, once again, to re-evaluate and look to the future.

In the meantime, CHS had again landed a $3.5 million Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This is the ninth time CHS has secured this grant.

Created by Congress 25 years ago, the grant was renamed in 2020 in honor of Lowey, a Congresswoman from New York, who served from 19892021. The renaming, said a department spokesperson, recognizes Lowey’s “advocacy and commitment to afterschool programming.”

The grant money allows CHS to broaden its reach in providing afterschool activities for students. The organization has a statewide presence, but at the moment, focuses most of its work in Trenton.

The main offering, called Lights On Afterschool, is a STEAM-focused offering that serves 200 Trenton students in grades 4 through 8. The program has been well attended; however, postpandemic, Roseborough said, CHS staff asked for programming to address the social emotional needs of students.

“Our fourth graders are going through a lot of challenges,” Roseborough said. “They were 2nd graders at the start of the pandemic.” He noted the staff has seen a lack of emotional regulation. Students are quick to anger, he said, and they are quick to respond physically.

“We are seeing a lot of cyberbullying,” Roseborough said. “We have kids with phones who will drop pictures to a group. There are academic struggles. We are talking about reading levels which are severely subpar. You can tell the kids have no idea what to do with everything going on.”

Roseborough also noted: “There has been a lot of loss in the community; there are homes which are in a lot messier situations than before.”

CHS had a need and Kidsbridge had a robust set of lessons for what is called SEL–Social Emotional Learning. Over the years, Azarchi has designed lessons to address a number of critical issues kids face while growing up.

The Kidsbridge curriculum covers empathy, stereotype awareness, religious diversity, moral reasoning, empowerment and mindfulness. Conversations began with Azarchi and Roseborough about uniting program offerings.

The result? Bringing Kidsbridge into CHS was essentially a no-brainer.

“Typically, our funding has come from local and regional foundations,” Azarchi said. “We also have a yearly fundraising dinner.” Kidsbridge also relied on funding from philanthropic individuals. Now, Azarchi said, the wedding of the two organizations has already yielded a change in finances. “Partnering with CHS means we can go for bigger grants,” she said. And those bigger grants mean more services beyond just kids.

“We only do kids,” Azarchi said. “Now, with Children’s Home Society, Kidsbridge can become more organic by bringing in parents and care-givers. So we can help more kids, and their families.”

Roseborough has already mapped out plans for the future.“The best thing about this merger, he said, is we can be more creative. We’re kicking off some new programs.”

For example, Darren Green, a Trenton community member Roseborough whom called “well known and well respected” will be presenting to students regularly. “He’s a powerful, dynamic speaker who can really reach kids,” Roseborough said. Leadership will be Green’s focus for talks.

Roseborough has already created what he calls the “Zen Den,” an after-school program for 4th graders.

“It’s an 8-week, Art/SEL based program,” Roseborough said. “Each week we look to address challenges through [the creation of] art.”

The Trenton School District’s Joyce Kilmer Elementary School has agreed to give CHS a dedicated space for this program.

“Another big thing I am looking forward to is getting to the parents,” he said. “We can’t do this work without parents understanding what we are trying to do,” Roseborough noted.

“We definitely need to go meet parents where they are,” he said. “However, we also have some ideas about how to bring parents into our centers.”

Sometimes, students don’t get to stay long enough in the after school program because parents have other needs.

“One of things we want to avoid is having parents taking students home too early,” Roseborough said. “So we are thinking about inviting parents in to observe, maybe have coffee and cookies so kids can stay,” he added. He is also looking at the possibility of starting Parent Success Centers.

Roseborough also wants to expand the reach of CHS beyond its current footprint. “We want to get into more schools,” Roseborough said. “The in-school model remains our focus.”

As for Azarchi, she will act as a consultant for the foreseeable future as she hands off various aspects of Kidsbridge to Roseborough and CHS.

One of her future projects, she hopes, will be to create a local Empathy Museum–it will be an experience type center. Azarchi said it might be a brick and mortar museum located at CHS; or, it might be a program done via a van traveling around the state. Azarchi noted that London has an Empathy Museum (empathymuseum.com).

If there could be a fairy tale ending for Azarchi, who has led Kidsbridge for a little over 20 years, this merger is it. Azarchi noted the name Kidsbridge evolved from the idea that through teaching: “You’re bridging kids to kindness, respect and social emotional skills.”

And connecting the spans of Kidsbridge and CHS means bridging that teaching will continue.

Web: kidsbridgecenter.org and chsofnj. org.

Whoever your heart beats for, our hearts beat for you.

One of the top 15 heart transplant programs in the nation.

RWJBarnabas Health has a passion for heart health, with the largest adult and pediatric cardiac surgery programs in the state, a heart transplant program that’s in the top 15 nationally, the latest technology and medical advancements and hundreds of wellness and prevention programs to strengthen and protect healthy hearts. Whoever your heart beats for, our hearts beat for you. Learn more at rwjbh.org/transplant

All six public high and middle schools put on their annual spring musical productions last month. This page, top: Nottingham High School students in “The Lightning Thief”: Nick Paccillo, Mia Caceres, Seth Taylor, Chaniece Taylor, Gianna Vetrano, Evan Vistoso, Daniel Richarme, Ava Estrada, Julianna Eloizard and Sarah Formica. This page, bottom: Crockett Middle School students in “The Little Mermaid”: (front row) Michael Schafer, Luci L’Oiseau, Shirvin Taylor, Ryan Chifulini, Brennon Babkowski; (middle row) Patrick Septak, Madison Lipman, Peyton Wyatt, Gwen Lefchak, Sofia Williams, Ameena Wagner, Emilia Martinez, Shirley Taylor; (back row) Kaylee Lorie, Success Nyerikan, Brynn Schnorbus, Mackenzie Hutchinson, Avery Kane, Mia Alston, Delaney Collins, Mackenzie Gerber, Colin McLaughlin, Mavis Mazzone, Kaitlyn Davis, Kaitlyn Le, Cassidy Kostin, Kensley Toussaint, Alexandra McLaughlin, Ben Schafer, Luke San Filippo, Yadira Rivera.

Opposite page, top: Grice Middle School students in “Mary Poppins, Jr.”: (front row) Alan Perez, Mary Kate O’Connor, Andrew Murillo, Kyra Bethea, Alyssa Van Ness and Micah Reyes; (back row) Antonella Ariza Bustamante, Janell Boakye, Rowan LacyCancel, Lily White, Amy Chanchavac, Chloe Doodnath, Alison D’Annunzio and Dejanae Graffie. Opposite page, middle: Reynolds Middle School students in “Moana”: (front row) Kaleb McKinley, Kelleigh Griffin, Kaylee Martinez, Allison Schneider, Peyton Rood; (second row) Vanessa Stokes, Isabella Panfili, Vanessa Guiral, Olivia Gonzalez, Francesca Abbott, Kamilah Quevedo, Nubia Mogrovejo; (third row) Lacie Hilosky, Abby Weaver, Giada Valentino; (top row) Emily Frame, Caitlyn Scoles, Francesca Sbarro, Danielle Griffin, Jenna Taggart. Opposite page, bottom: Steinert High School students in “Seussical”: Mateo Mazariegos, David Zara, Mischa Chorba, Samantha Krall, Diana Schulz, Katelyn Giunta, Jessalyn Aderhold, Molly Devlin. For a photo of Hamilton High

“The

New Name and Major Expansion for CAPITAL HEALTH CARDIOLOGY PRACTICE

Capital Health Medical Group’s outpatient cardiology practice has seen significant expansion in recent years to meet the growing heart health needs of residents in the Mercer and Bucks county region. As part of the practice’s evolution and advancement, Mercer Bucks Cardiology has joined Capital Health Medical Group and, combined with the practice formerly known as Capital Health – Heart Care Specialists, is now collectively called Capital Health Cardiology Specialists.

With office locations in Columbus, Hamilton, Hopewell Township, Lawrenceville, and Robbinsville in New Jersey and Newtown in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, patients have greater access to board certified cardiology specialists.

“As Capital Health – Heart Care Specialists, our team of expert providers has been known for providing advanced interventional cardiology, cardiac imaging, electrophysiology, structural heart interventions and preventive cardiology services to patients in Central New Jersey and Lower Bucks County in Pennsylvania,” said Dr. Joshua Eisenberg, chief medical officer of Capital Health Medical Group and medical director of the Capital Health Heart & Vascular Institute. “Mercer Bucks Cardiology has had a similar mission in local communities for 25 years, and by joining us under one banner as Capital Health Cardiology Specialists, our greatly expanded team gives residents throughout Mercer, Bucks and Burlington counties even greater access to the advanced care they need to help promote heart healthy living.”

Providers at Capital Health Cardiology Specialists include board certified cardiology experts who are highly trained in interventional cardiology, cardiac imaging, electrophysiology, structural heart interventions and preventive cardiology. Working closely with patients’ primary care providers and referring physicians, they provide complete and accurate evaluations of cardiac conditions and ensure continuity of care.

All Capital Health Medical Group offices use a shared electronic medical records system, which allows providers to access medical records on a secure network, making it convenient for patients to continue their care

across the network of primary and specialty care providers. Patients can also manage their health easier using Capital Health Medical Group’s patient portal, which allows patients to conveniently access information about any of their office visits online.

To learn more about Capital Health Cardiology Specialists, visit capitalhealthcardiology.org for more information.

Capital Health Cardiology Specialists – Columbus 23203 Columbus Road, Suite I, Columbus, NJ 08022 609.303.4838 | capitalhealthcardiology.org/columbus

Capital Health Cardiology Specialists – Hamilton

1445 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Suite 110 Hamilton, NJ 08619 609.303.4838 | capitalhealthcardiology.org/hamilton

Capital Health Cardiology Specialists – Hopewell

Two Capital Way, Suite 385, Pennington, NJ 08534 609.303.4838 | capitalhealthcardiology.org/hopewell

Capital Health Cardiology Specialists – Lawrenceville 3140 Princeton Pike, 2nd Floor, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 609.895.1919 | capitalhealthcardiology.org/lawrenceville

Capital Health Cardiology Specialists – Newtown 796 Newtown-Yardley Road, Suite 200, Newtown, PA 18940 609.303.4838 | capitalhealthcardiology.org/newtown

Capital Health Cardiology Specialists – Pheasant Run 104 Pheasant Run, Suite 128, Newtown, PA 18940 215.860.3344 | capitalhealthcardiology.org/pheasantrun

Capital Health Cardiology Specialists – Robbinsville 1 Union Street, Suite 101, Robbinsville, NJ 08691 609.632.0140 | capitalhealthcardiology.org/robbinsville

Colorectal Screening: When Do I Need a Colonoscopy?

Colorectal cancer numbers are unfortunately rising in young people – meaning before 50 years old. The reason is not clear, but it goes to show why it’s more important than ever to understand screening recommendations and processes, and how they are crucial to your health.

Abnormal cells that form into polyps in the body take about 10 to 15 years to potentially develop into colorectal cancer. By screening and identifying these abnormal cells and polyps through tests such as a colonoscopy, you and your physician can intervene and remove them before they have the chance to turn into cancer. In addition to detection and intervention, screening can also find colorectal cancer early, when it’s smaller and easier to treat.

Screening Recommendations

Colorectal cancer almost always develops in precancerous polyps – growths – in the colon or rectum. Screening identifies these polyps, and removing them prevents cancer from forming. Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancers don’t always cause symptoms, especially in the early stages. That is why getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer is so important.

The American Cancer Society recommends colon screening for everyone, beginning at age 45. If you have a strong family history of colorectal polyps or cancer, talk with your doctor about your risk level. Earlier screening may be recommended.

Screening Options

As the only test that examines the entire colon, colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon screening. However, other screening processes are available, so it’s important to speak with your physician to learn about the various screening types and determine which option is best for you.

Stool tests look at the stool for possible signs of colorectal cancer or polyps. They are typically done at home, so many people find them easier than tests like a colonoscopy. However, this type of test needs to be done more frequently and has a higher false positive rate than a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy will be required if stool test results are abnormal, so if you used your insurance to pay for the at-home test, the follow-up colonoscopy may not be covered.

Colonoscopy is a screening test that involves a colonoscope – a lighted camera on the end of a flexible tube – that passes through

your anus and rectum into your colon. Along the way, it sends pictures of the inside of your large intestine to a screen that helps your physician identify any polyps that are present. Polyps can also be removed during the procedure, and tissue may be biopsied afterward. Some preparation is required for a colonoscopy, but your physician will guide you through the process, which can begin a few days before the screening. Some find the preparation challenging, but the benefits of cancer prevention are invaluable. A colonoscopy also has the longest interval between tests if the exam is normal. To schedule a colonoscopy at Capital Health, visit capitalhealthcancer.org/colonoscopy or call 609.303.4444.

Colorectal Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Colorectal cancer may not show any signs or symptoms, which is just another reason why screening is so important. However, if you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial that you speak with your doctor to discuss what it could mean.

… Sudden diarrhea, constipation, or other unusual bowel habits such as narrowing of the stool, that last for more than a few days

A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by having one

… Rectal bleeding with bright red blood

… Blood in the stool, which might make it look dark brown or black

… Abdominal pain or cramping

… Weakness and fatigue

… Noticeable weight loss

Two Board Certified Family Medicine Physicians Join Capital Health Primary Care – West Windsor

Dr. Shital Kayastha and Dr. Aviral Yadav, two board certified family medicine physicians, have joined Capital Health Primary Care – West Windsor, located at 352 Princeton-Hightstown Road, West Windsor, New Jersey. They are part of a growing team of board certified doctors at the West Windsor office that includes Dr. Sumiya Ahmed and Dr. Radhika Laskarzewski.

“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Kayastha and Dr. Yadav to our West Windsor office,” said Dr. Radhika Laskarzewski, lead physician at Capital Health Primary Care – West Windsor. “Adding two board certified family medicine providers to our team enables us to continue to serve the needs of our patients and the community by helping prevent illness, handling everyday medical needs, managing chronic health issues, and providing care for children (newborns and older), adolescents, and adults.”

DR. KAYASTHA is board certified in family medicine. After receiving her medical degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, West Virginia, she completed her family practice residency at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, New York.

Oh, My Aching Head!

Monday, May 1, 2023 | 6 p.m. Location: Zoom Meeting

Do you or someone you know suffer from frequent headaches? Join DR. DWAYNE BROWN, director of the Comprehensive Headache Center at Capital Institute for Neurosciences, to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of the most common headache disorders, including migraine, tension and cluster headaches.

This event will be taking place virtually using Zoom. Register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.

DR. YADAV is board certified in family medicine. He received his medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Florida and completed his residency in family medicine at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His clinical interests include obesity medicine and preventative medicine.

As part of Capital Health Medical Group, a network of more than 500 physicians and other clinicians who provide primary and specialty care, Capital Health Primary Care – West Windsor offers in-person and virtual primary care visits, as well as easy access to experienced specialists and the most advanced care in the region at nearby Capital Health hospitals.

Office hours at Capital Health Primary Care – West Windsor are on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Wednesday (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.). To make an appointment with Dr. Kayastha or Dr. Yadav, call 609.537.7400 or visit capitalhealth.org/westwindsor.

Capital Health – East Trenton Opens Offering Emergency Department Services and Continued Outpatient Medical Clinic Services

On December 21, Capital Health assumed responsibility for health care services previously provided by St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey. That campus, which now operates an Emergency Department and some outpatient services, has been renamed Capital Health – East Trenton and no longer operates as an acute care hospital.

“Without this transition, Trenton would have lost desperately needed health care services, including emergency services, behavioral health, and cardiac surgery. This would have been

KEY INFORMATION FOR YOU TO KNOW SERVICES

The Emergency Department remains open 24/7 in the same location. Patients needing hospital admission will be transferred appropriately for the care they need.

… The Outpatient Primary Care Clinic, located next to the Emergency Department, remains open in the same location. Specialty Care Clinic Services are available at various locations. The CARES child wellness program remains open in the same location.

The LIFE program is now called Capital Health LIFE and remains open in its Bordentown location. Assisted Living Program patients continue to receive care as they did prior to the transition.

… Some primary care physicians, specialists, and surgeons who were previously with St. Francis Medical Associates have transitioned to Capital Health Medical Group practices. Visit capitalmedicalgroup.org to find your physician’s new location and phone number. If your physician did not move to Capital Health, visit capitalhealth.org to find the physician you need and complete contact information.

Cancer Center services, including infusions, are available at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell. Visit capitalhealthcancer.org to learn more, or call 609.537.6363. For infusion appointments at Capital Health, call 609.537.7226.

Patients receiving care as part of the Infectious Disease, HIV and Lyme’s disease programs can be seen at Capital Health –Infectious Disease Specialists, located at 40 Fuld Street, Suite 305 in Trenton. Call 609.394.6338 to make an appointment.

devastating to the residents. I want to thank everyone who partnered with us to make sure key services did not leave Trenton,” said Al Maghazehe, President and CEO of Capital Health. “We are committed to continuing to provide critical medical services in the city of Trenton and working closely with members of the community, local officials, and other key stakeholders.”

Learn more about the services Capital Health offers at www.capitalhealth.org.

Sleep services are available at Capital Health – Hamilton, located at 1401 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road. Call 609.584.5150 to schedule an appointment.

The Behavioral Health Inpatient Program is at Capital Health Regional Medical Center.

Wound Care patients can call Capital Health’s Center for Wound Management and Hyperbaric Medicine at 609.537.7457.

Outpatient diagnostic testing services are available at other Capital Health locations, including Capital Health Regional Medical Center. Call 609.394.6695 to schedule an appointment.

TRANSPORTATION

Shuttles from the Hamilton Avenue campus to Capital Health Regional Medical Center (RMC) leave every hour, on the hour, beginning at 6 a.m. with the last shuttle leaving at 8 p.m. for RMC. All shuttles depart from the turnaround in front of the old Main Lobby on Chambers Street at the new Capital Health – East Trenton location. Return shuttles run every half hour from 6:30 a.m., with the last departure for Capital Health – East Trenton at 8:30 p.m. This can be used by patients or visitors.

MEDICAL RECORDS

If you need a copy of your medical records for services you received at St. Francis Medical Center before December 21, 2022, call 609.394.4460 or visit Capital Health’s website for other options.

MAIN NUMBERS

Capital Health – East Trenton: 609.599.5000

Capital Health Regional Medical Center: 609.394.6000

Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell: 609.303.4000

New book celebrates New Jersey’s food trucks

By Rebekah Schroeder

Once he started, it was an easy decision for Patrick Lombardi—and a rewarding one—to just keep on (food) trucking. He learned that since the recipe for a successful food truck is equal parts determination and delicious food, the stories behind them are worth filling up on, plate after plate. These businesses are run by families, couples, independent owners, and partners, some of whom see their work as an extension of their culinary school experiences, while others consider it a side project to share recipes on more flexible terms.

Such diverse backgrounds serve up an explosion of culture and talent for the industry, a niche that Lombardi, a BestofNJ.com contributor and photographer, has written a book about with the publication’s editor-in-chief, Vincent Parisi.

The first paperback to come from Best of NJ, “The New Jersey Food Truck Cookbook” evolved from Lombardi’s “The Best New Jersey Food Trucks,” a web series that has run every spring and summer season—considered the prime

time for food trucks due to the increase in outdoor festivals and events—since March 2018.

Released on Feb. 13 through The His-

tory Press, an imprint of Arcadia Publishing, every chapter of the book centers on a different food truck business from throughout the state. Of the 20 food

trucks featured, Lombardi highlights the biographies of the people involved, over 30 recipes, and Q&As with the business owner(s).

A self-described “foodie” and lifelong New Jersey resident, Lombardi, who graduated from Rider University in Lawrenceville, officially moved to the area at the end of 2020 after marrying his wife, Christine, in July of that year.

Lombardi currently works full-time for the State of New Jersey, yet still has the same love of writing, covering food, hiking (“The Best NJ Hiking Trails”), and history (“Jersey Through History”) for Best of NJ, with previous credits for websites such as NJ.com, MyCentralJersey. com, and Patch.com.

The concept for “The Best New Jersey Food Trucks” began as a pitch Lombardi made to Parisi in late 2017, which the latter documents in the book’s preface as growing from a standalone piece Lombardi had been writing at the time on Bearded One BBQ, a Monroe-based food truck.

But Lombardi sensed a greater potential than just the one-off could provide when, upon reflecting on the interview,

Andrew Dudich of the Mama Dude’s food truck. Dudich, who grew up in Hamilton, also has a bricks-and-mortar restaurant of the same name in Dover Park Plaza.

Event Decorations and Rentals located inside Dragonfly Farms o ers everything you desire for your next celebration.

Get ‘Wild’ in Your Garden By Going Green

BY REBEKAH SCHROEDER

Bid a cold goodbye to the winter frost and start preparing for a modern garden that grows with sustainability in mind, and whether homeowners choose to plant now or plan ahead, they can harvest an environmentally conscious future celebrating the value of nature.

Wild Ones Princeton Designs

The most successful landscapes achieve a balance between aesthetic appeal and practicality. But in time, homeowners can restore the ecosystem of a property by building its environmental resilience and making considerations about the climate.

People of all regions, skill levels, and economic statuses can improve their outdoor spaces, no matter how large or small, by transforming them into an eco-friendly garden with a diverse plant palette.

Peace of Mind For Your Loved One and You

Care and personal assistance for seniors in their own homes.

Greenwood House’s home care team are stewards in providing the highest level of home health aides to adults living independently who may just need assistance or support and personal care in their own home for as little as 6 hours a week up to live-in care.

• Personal In-Home Assistance

• Personal Hygiene Assistance

• Meal Preparation

• Light Housekeeping & Laundry

• Fresh Linens

• Socialization

• Companionship

Wild Ones, a nonprofit organization dedicated to using natural landscape techniques that preserve biodiversity and native plant populations, has published two free, downloadable garden plans for the Princeton mid-Atlantic ecoregion.

Created as part of Wild Ones’ Native Gar-

den Designs program, these printable templates include steps for replication, a planting schedule that optimizes the best steps to take in each season, and at least 15 native species in placements and concentrations that add value to the homeowner’s quality of life. People are encouraged to take inspiration from them, whether in full or as ideas, for houses even beyond the styles found in Central New Jersey.

Following a thorough analysis, landscaping professionals Julie Snell and Lisa McDonald Hanes developed these layouts to reintroduce indigenous plants on two contrasting properties: a single-family, one-acre parcel on the outskirts of town with a sloped suburban hill and a multifamily townhouse on a one-fi fth-acre parcel within Princeton.

Once grown, native plants can flourish with little to no watering, fertilizer, pesticides, or mowing, making them a viable, low-maintenance replacement for traditional lawns. These species have become accustomed to the area as a result of evolution and adaptation, with deeper root systems that control the level of water runoff. This prevents overflow and, by extension, mitigates flooding—a rising concern in New Jersey because of the effects of climate change.

See Wild Ones, Page 4

SIX09

Community News Service 9 Princess Road, Suite M Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Phone: (609) 396-1511

News: news@communitynews.org

Events: events@communitynews.org

Letters: rschroeder@communitynews.org

Website: communitynews.org

Facebook: facebook.com/mercereats

Twitter: twitter.com/mercerspace

Six09 is inserted into each of Community News Service’s nine hyperlocal monthly publications. Over 125,000 copies are distributed each month in the Greater Mercer County, N.J. area.

TO ADVERTISE call (609) 396-1511, ext. 110 or e-mail advertise@communitynews.org

Stop Your Pain. Start Your Life.

Dr. Ronak Patel

Dr. Ronak Patel

Dr. Ronak Patel

Dr. Ronak Patel

We are a center of excellence that delivers the most up to date care in the field of comprehensive pain management. We are committed to helping you regain your life. Our focus will be on developing individualized patient treatment plans and increasing patient functionality.

We are a center of excellence that delivers the most up to date care in the field of comprehensive pain management. We are committed to helping you regain your life. Our focus will be on developing individualized patient treatment plans and increasing patient functionality.

We are a center of excellence that delivers the most up to date care in the field of comprehensive pain management. We are committed to helping you regain your life. Our focus will be on developing individualized patient treatment plans and increasing patient functionality.

We are a center of excellence that delivers the most up to date care in the field of comprehensive pain management. We are committed to helping you regain your life. Our focus will be on developing individualized patient treatment plans and increasing patient functionality.

Stop Your Pain. Start Your Life.

Regenerative Spine and Pain

Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute Taking the Fight Against Chronic Pain to New Levels

27 different therapies available to patients, Dr. Patel offers a range of treatments, often combined to attack highly specific causes of pain. Among the most promising and innovative treatments:

Botox for migraines. Stem cell injections to regenerate tissue and organs. Gummy Bears infused with THC. Platelet-Rich Plasma to treat conditions from sports injuries and wounds to hair loss from chemotherapy. These are just a few of the cutting-edge therapies used by Dr. Ronak Patel, the founder and medical director of Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute in Plainsboro.

Botox for migraines. Stem cell injections to regenerate tissue and organs. Gummy Bears infused with THC. Platelet-Rich Plasma to treat conditions from sports injuries and wounds to hair loss from chemotherapy. These are just a few of the cutting-edge therapies used by Dr. Ronak Patel, the founder and medical director of Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute in Plainsboro.

“Many of these treatments may come as a surprise to patients suffering from chronic pain, especially those who think that their pain — and poor quality of life — is something they have to endure,” Dr. Patel notes. A double board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist, Dr. Patel focuses on treating pain in the back, neck, face, and joints as well as pain related to cancer and chemotherapy.

27 different therapies available to patients, Dr. Patel offers a range of treatments, often combined to attack highly specific causes of pain. Among the most promising and innovative treatments:

Cannabis Therapy. The legalization of medical marijuana has brought new treatment options. “We are very excited by the potential of cannabis-based treatments and we comply fully with New Jersey’s evolving regulations,” says Dr. Patel. He uses a local dispensary to provide treatments, which include edibles such as gummy bears and cannabis-based rubbing and vaping oils.

With so many different pain-causing illnesses, injuries, and conditions, treatments must be carefully customized to fit the needs of each individual patient. Dr. Patel partners with orthopedists, physical and occupational therapists, and chiropractors to provide a variety of approaches and treatments. With

“Many of these treatments may come as a surprise to patients suffering from chronic pain, especially those who think that their pain — and poor quality of life — is something they have to endure,” Dr. Patel notes. A double board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist, Dr. Patel focuses on treating pain in the back, neck, face, and joints as well as pain related to cancer and chemotherapy.

With so many different pain-causing illnesses, injuries, and conditions, treatments must be carefully customized to fit the needs of each individual patient. Dr. Patel partners

Regenerative Medicine/ Stem Cell Therapy. Regenerative medicine is a fastgrowing, highly developed treatment that helps the body heal or rebuild itself. Dr. Patel uses stem cell therapy to treat ailments, particularly low back or neck pain, caused by degenerative vertebral discs or joint pain in the shoulders, hips, or knees caused by osteoarthritis. The patient’s stem cells are removed, purified, concentrated, and injected into the injured or weakened tissue. Stem cell therapy can also speed recovery and help avoid surgery.

Regenerative Medicine/

Stem

Cell Therapy. Regenerative medicine is a fastgrowing, highly developed treatment that helps the body heal or rebuild itself. Dr. Patel uses stem cell therapy to treat ailments, particularly low back or neck pain, caused by degenerative vertebral discs or joint pain in the shoulders, hips, or knees caused by osteoarthritis. The patient’s stem cells are removed, purified, concentrated, and injected into the injured or weakened tissue. Stem cell therapy can also speed recovery and help avoid surgery.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). A favorite treatment for sports injuries, PRP uses the patient’s blood to produce a platelet-rich plasma that targets a host of chronic and acute pain conditions, including muscle strain, arthritis, tendinosis, cartilage injuries, joint inflammation, and wound care. The treatment is also used in orthopedic and plastic surgery. By synthesizing platelets and releasing proteins, PRP can aid in generating new tissue. And it has helped chemotherapy patients grow back hair faster and thicker.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). A favorite treatment for sports injuries, PRP uses the patient’s blood to produce a platelet-rich plasma that targets a host of chronic and acute pain conditions, including muscle strain, arthritis, tendinosis, cartilage injuries, joint inflammation, and wound care. The treatment is also used in orthopedic and plastic surgery. By synthesizing platelets and releasing proteins, PRP can aid in generating new tissue. And it has helped che-

Cannabis Therapy. The legalization of medical marijuana has brought new treatment options. “We are very excited by the potential of cannabis-based treatments and we comply fully with New Jersey’s evolving regulations,” says Dr. Patel. He uses a local dispensary to provide treatments, which include edibles such as gummy bears and cannabis-based rubbing and vaping oils.

Minimally Invasive Therapy. Dr. Patel offers a wide variety of minimally invasive therapies. These include epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, and spinal cord stimulation for patients suffering from chronic neck and back pain stemming from herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis. His goal is to help his patients avoid surgery and at the same time regain functionality.

Thanks to these and other game-changing treatments, pain levels can be greatly reduced or eliminated and quality of life enhanced. Says Dr. Patel, “Stop your pain. Start your life.”

Minimally Invasive Therapy. Dr. Patel offers a wide variety of minimally invasive therapies. These include epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, and spinal cord stimulation for patients suffering from chronic neck and back pain stemming from herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis. His goal is to help his patients avoid surgery and at the same time regain functionality.

Thanks to these and other game-changing treatments, pain levels can be greatly reduced or eliminated and quality of life enhanced. Says Dr. Patel, “Stop your pain. Start your life.”

Communities of native plants support wildlife and pollinators, and while deer may still browse from them, as Wild Ones explained, mature plants can be “resilient” in the face of those pressures. Yet, if any invasive species present are not controlled, native plants risk being overtaken.

The Princeton designs primarily use perennials, or plants that return each year but may take longer to “get established,” as opposed to annuals, which only complete one growing season.

Snell is a certified arborist and founding partner of the Philadelphia-based TEND landscape architects, where her fellow designer, registered landscape architect Hanes, is also a founding principal. Hanes received her bachelor’s in landscape architecture from Purdue University, while Snell, who has a fine arts background, earned her master’s in landscape architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. Together, the women are the co-owners and operators of Redbud Native Plant Nursery in Media, Pennsylvania.

The designer statements for the singlefamily and multi-family properties share some of the same passages, but with details specific to each plan, as well as video interviews where Snell and Hanes spoke, respectively, about them with Wild Ones

To see the recommended phasing, priorities, practices, or download copies of the Princeton plan(s), visit Wild Ones’ website at nativegardendesigns.wildones.org. Ecoregions with designs ready for implementation include Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and others.

Because the mid-Atlantic region has been inhabited since before the American Revolutionary War, these plans differ from

previous Wild Ones designs in several ways. According to the Wild Ones Princeton template page, “land development patterns and housing types show this age, coupled with modern demands for density and ways of living that meet a wide range of population needs from university students

to young families to the elderly.”

Wild Ones, which started in the Midwest, has three chapters in New Jersey: Gateway, Southern, and Skylands, the latter two of which are seedling groups still in the early stages of expanding membership and programming.

member Michele Hensey.

The single-family Wild Ones template, one of two designed by Julie Snell, top left , and Lisa McDonald Hanes, bottom left , has landscape-conscious layouts with sections—and interchangeable substitutions—for greener gardening.

Skylands serves the northwest counties of Mercer, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren. Its president, Daina Gulbis, is a chemical engineer by trade and a certified master gardener for Somerset County, where she has resided since 2005. Gulbis currently works as the K-8 Garden Coordinator for the Somerset Hills School District and an environmental educator for the Raritan Headwaters Association.

After speaking with the president of the state’s Southern New Jersey group, Josh Loew, both Gulbis and Gisela Ferrer volunteered to start their own chapters in March of last year, with Ferrer now leading the state’s Northeastern Gateway chapter. Gulbis is thrilled to be able to share these Princeton templates as something tangible

that can still be applied to many ecoregions and prove that raising native plants does not have to be “overwhelming.”

“I think that is the hardest part to figure out when you move to an area or when you decide you want to plant: what is it that’s going to be native, that can grow, that’s going to be flowering at this time, so that I can have a continuous flow in my garden? We have a lot of resources out there for Jersey, but it takes a lot of time,” she explained.

“Not everybody can afford to have a landscape architect come and take a look at their space,” Gulbis said, with the designs making that easier. She also expressed

Native plants featured include the bottlebrush buckeye, left, blue flag iris, upper right, and swamp milkweed, lower right.

Image credits, in order: Magnus Manske, Wikimedia Commons, and Ryan Hodnett.

her love for “the tables at the end, because you can also pick and choose” from substitute plants that “all grow in this area and climate.”

Snell and McDonald both recommend planning and preparing the site in the summer, which may include cleaning up the property and removing invasive species, before planting native species in the early fall. This way, rather than forcing the gardener to be hypervigilant about watering in the summer to ensure the survival of the seedlings, they can do so in September, October, and/or November to give the roots a longer time to settle. This puts them ahead of schedule by spring and will result in heartier plants come summer.

Gulbis personally plants for different reasons in the fall and spring. She shared that because the beginning of autumn is the end of the traditional growing season, nurseries tend to sell plants at reduced prices.

The “plugs” for native species, a term for seedlings grown in trays with potting soil, are sold in spring and present gardeners with visible blooms. But as opposed to their previously planted counterparts, which will likely spend their first years as stems, these

spring plants will require more attention and water, especially in hotter weather.

Gulbis says she does both—some for those visuals that signal the warmth of spring has arrived, and others for long-term planting that profits from patience.

Snell and Hanes advise that the process is best done in phases, proposing that people first define their goals for the landscape, such as what they want in the finished product—spots for growing produce, sitting, or playing—and evaluate their abilities to do the work required, such as coordinating with landscape professionals or budgeting. By establishing funding expectations and a timeline for incremental improvements or additions, the homeowner can devote the scheduling and monetary resources required to complete their vision, as well as all the maintenance that entails.

To help map out a balanced garden, the designers say it is important to document the following factors: sunlight, shade, and water flow patterns; conditions and/or types of soil, drainage, and moisture; as well as what plants are already growing

See Wild Ones, Page 6

in the space, both invasive and native. For more information on invasive species in the mid-Atlantic region, visit invasive.org/ eastern/midatlantic

In the designer statements, Snell and Hanes encourage homeowners to work closely with an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture, or ISA, to identify keystone species, such as oak trees, which are organisms that the ecosystem cannot exist without.

But removing the hazards—large trees that are dead or damaged, areas negatively impacted by erosion and flooding, or the advancing encroachment of invasive species—is just as essential as thoroughly studying the site.

Hanes advised conducting at least one “soil test” to detect its nutrition and acidity before starting the garden, and since Princeton spans the transition from the inner Atlantic coastal plain to the ridge and valley ecoregion, several spots in the same yard can have differing compositions (clay, sandy, compacted, etc.).

For more information on how and where to properly submit soil for testing, Hanes suggested checking out the website for both the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station’s Soil Testing Laboratory or Cornell University’s Soil

Health Laboratory

Climate change is also an undeniably big factor. According to Hanes and Hensey’s February YouTube discussion, the area averages around 47 inches of rainfall and 24 inches of snow annually, with increased but alarmingly unpredictable levels of precipitation and warmer temperatures expected throughout the year.

These seasonal fluctuations, according to Gulbis, are part of why a “random” April snowstorm can occur after a hotter summer and relatively “mild” winter. The Skylands president has witnessed vast changes in both the climate and what can successfully grow here—variables that were not present when she first moved to the state nearly two decades ago.

It is also worth it to be mindful of what the designers’ statements describe as “anthropogenic influences,” or “the age of density of development in an area” due to cycles of disturbance resulting from paving roads or storing building materials, which can increase the temperature in what is known as the “urban heat island effect.”

As explained in the “methodology” section of the single-family home template, following the designer’s site inventory and gathering of data, the objective was to restore ecological function and natural beauty, as well as empower residents to take advantage of the outdoors.

Visit local nurseries and sustainable suppliers, and keep a list of botanical names on hand when shopping or placing online orders. Wild Ones suggests purchasing native plants from Bountiful Gardens’ brick-and-mortar locations in Ewing, Lawrenceville, and Hillsborough, as well as Rare Find Nursery in Jackson, a mailorder retail plant nursery that operates by appointment only

The first priority is to manage the invasive plants and restore the woodlands, as the edge of the latter is what Snell deems the most “critical piece from the point of view of the homeowner” of a single-family property. In the designated woodland transition zone of the layout, she recommended planting flowering dogwood, fringetree, and other “large scale shrubs” like bottlebrush buckeye or Virginia sweetspire, which “hold the space really well.”

For the single-family property, Wild Ones advised reducing parts of the lawn to form a wide riparian buffer along the sides of a stream or the edge of a pond, then stabilizing that border by repopulating it with shrubs and herbaceous plants of differing heights. Snell said that what defines these houses in the “rolling hills” are having two sides of road frontage with a densely wooded upper east area that may be fragmented. The understory here is prone to damage from grazing deer, who gravitate to

oak trees and can be kept out via a specialized fence or by adding species that tend to be more “resistant.”

The ideal space for the single-family property should have focal points and access to water features, Snell added, with the south side typically flanking what she described as a small stream lacking a definitive edge or vegetation, which has made the excessively mowed area lack stability and be more susceptible to erosion or drainage issues. Reinforcing these slopes with native plants can slow down the water to abate that.

These can include what Snell calls a pattern of “beautiful blooms” featuring swamp milkweed, fox sedge, different iris (crested and blue flag), soft rush, and ironweed. For a ranking and breakdown of what plants would fare well in this area, visit the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station’s “Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance” at njaes.rutgers.edu/ deer-resistant-plants.

By alternating areas of higher and lower vegetation, as well as creating “access points” to the water via stepping stones, a gardener can help mitigate flooding, restore the streambank and develop “a habitat zone of ground layer herbaceous and woody [plants] where there was none,” Snell explained.

Trees, especially ones in the canopy,

provide structure, with the last point in the designer’s statement adding that once the spaces for sitting or other activities are placed, homeowners can use an organic site preparation method like solarization to eliminate the undesirable parts of the lawn that remain.

What the multi-family template loses in the townhouse style’s “postage-stamp front area,” it gains with a considerably bigger backyard, which can also be joined by a side yard and additional parking off the street. This front area would be drier and receive more sunlight juxtaposed against the backyard’s cooler, shadier temperatures, with the latter able to contain personalized zones for activities such as entertaining and growing a vegetable garden.

Both groundcover and mulching should be prioritized, but the easiest first step in this template, according to the phasing guide, is installing rain barrels to capture water and runoff from the roof downspouts.

The designer’s statement advocates for “lasagne gardening,” also known as sheet mulching, or smothering the grass with newspaper or cardboard and 4” to 5” of wood chips at least two months before planting to remove unwanted lawn. Hanes explained that this is an option for a less physical, but more time-oriented process.

When the season starts, any plants with exposed soil that have yet to mature should

be covered with green mulch, what Hanes termed “a living plant,” which reduces the need for water and weeding even more than bark mulch or shredded leaves.

The multi-family home design calls for “as little pavement as possible,” since its prevalence cuts into what is already a scarce outdoor space offering little biodiversity outside of turf grass and invasive species. Hanes suggested using wood chips or mulch when laying out pathways or seating areas until another, more permanent solution can be installed. She also emphasized the value of putting doorway trellises in place to offer shade and be an “easily plantable, fast-growing upgrade.”

In Hanes’s Wild Ones presentation, she said to water plants regularly until established, a period of time which will take roughly one to two years for herbaceous perennials and two to three years for woody plants—but to resume, then increase the amount, in drought conditions.

Lacking a green thumb or the gusto to get your hands dirty? No need to worry; Hanes offered her own experience as an option, explaining that she plants native species in containers and shares that there might be local opportunities for verge planting, a style of community gardening for growing more biodiverse greenery in the “verge,” or boulevard, of a street.

Another example from Gulbis is that she

Hamilton Wildcats

Where it all Begins!

take place April 4, 5 - go to

does not have a stream on her property, but was inspired to put a hedgerow in because of the plans. She also expressed her appreciation for the table of alternative plants and being able to “stack” plants in layers, noting she was able to complete work in her single-family home in a phased approach.

Even if the Princeton plans do not apply to your property, take away elements rather than the entirety, as anyone who has ever dreamed of relaxing or socializing in the domestic haven of a garden can apply some of this knowledge to their own backyards.

Supporting an ecoregion’s environment benefits the health and happiness of all its inhabitants. Wild Ones’ message is simple: “All gardening is experimentation and a handshake with the natural world where there are no guarantees,” which speaks to the fact that a better tomorrow can bloom for every person, plant, and part of life.

Still giddy about gardening and prefer

planting in April to see if those long hours can truly produce May flowers? Browse, buy, and be in nature with these other opportunities to celebrate the allure of the outdoors from Bordentown to West Windsor

Morven Museum & Garden

Because Morven Museum & Garden was established as the state’s first Governor’s Mansion, the landmark site has deep roots in Princeton. Morven’s annual plant sale, which brings together history and horticulture, has a new partner for this year, the local environmental organization Sustainable Princeton.

A plethora of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and edible plants—some of which are heirloom varieties or Morven exclusives prone to selling out—will be marked with a “SusSee Plant Power, Page 8

We are looking for girls ready for the travel challenge from birth year 2015-2004 to form new teams and supplement established teams

training and player development. In partnership with the Hamilton Girls Soccer Club and NJ Rush, the Wildcats provide a complete soccer experience for girls ages 5 to 23.

We are looking for girls ready for the travel challenge from birth years 2016-2004 to form new teams and supplement established teams.

The Hamilton Wildcats are an all-female travel soccer club focused on training and player development! In partnership with the Hamilton Girls Soccer Club and NJ Rush, the Wildcats provide a complete soccer experience for girls ages 5 to 19.

tainable Princeton Preferred” logo to signify what species have been identified as indigenous to the area. Through Monday, April 10, plants can be ordered online via the website, morven.org/fy23/plantsale.

Confirmation emails will contain the order’s pickup date, ID, and receipt for payment. Morven members receive a 10% discount off their order, as well as priority pickup and early access to the onsite stock on Friday, May 12. All other remaining orders will be scheduled for pickup from Saturday, May 13, to Monday, May 15.

According to Morven’s website, those who do not wish to order online can call or leave a message for visitor services at 609924-8144, ext. 103, to pay via credit card.

Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton. www.morven.org

Garden State African Violet Club Sale & Show at MCCC

Looking for a radiant houseplant to bring some vibrancy indoors? The Garden State African Violet Club returns with the 69th African Violet show and plant sale on May 6, titled “Violets Light Up Broadway,” a free event hosted by the horticulture program at Mercer County Community College. Hundreds of the flowers will be on display for judging in the student center of

MCCC’s West Windsor campus from noon to 4 p.m.

Attendees are not only able to view creative arrangements of these award-winning African violets but purchase flowers of their own to take home or gift—right in time for Mother’s Day, too—with experts on location to answer any “budding” questions guests might have.

Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Bordentown City Green Home & Eco-Friendly Garden Tour

The Bordentown City Environmental Commission has organized a free, selfguided initiative, the first of its kind, with

The Garden State African Violet Club offers more than just their namesake with a stunning jolly orchid for sale, left , while a Bordentown pollinator garden will greet those walking the local eco-friendly tour organized for Sunday, April 30.

the Bordentown City Green Home & EcoFriendly Garden Tour on April 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The trek, which can be completed on foot or by bike, is designed to raise the public’s understanding of sustainability and its developments locally.

Participants will be given a printed or digital map, as well as a free gift, at the starting point of the Carslake Community Center at 207 Crosswicks Street.

According to a press release, along the way, Bordentown residents will “meet community members cultivating native plant and pollinator gardens, using rain barrels and compost bins, building roof gardens,

keeping bees and chickens, enjoying the benefits of solar panels, and much more.”

The BCEC, a volunteer, mayorappointed group, oversee the annual Green Fair and are actively involved with the Sustainable Jersey Municipal Certification Program. Its members advise, educate, and monitor environmental issues affecting Bordentown.

Carslake Community Center, 207 Crosswicks Street, Bordentown.

For more information on the tour of the Bordentown City Environmental Commission, contact bordentowncitygreenteam@gmail.com

Delhagen

Serving Mercer County

Since 1998

Delhagen Plumbing, Heating & A/C, LLC is a local family-owned business that has serviced the Mercer County area since 1998. Gary Delhagen and his service technicians strive to do the job right the first time. Service technicians are knowledgeable and professional. We handle a variety of residential/ light commercial plumbing and

hvac needs. Looking for a reliable, reasonably priced company, well you have found them! See ad, page 13

ReNew Masonry Celebrates 23 Years

We offer small repairs: concrete, brick ,stucco, steps, walkways and patios. No job is too small!

Call 609-751-3039 or email renewmason@gmail.com

Visit our website: Renewmason.com. See ad, page 10

This is where you’ll savor life to the fullest. All in an area known for its wealth of cultural offerings, recreational opportunities, dining and shopping. Vintage at Hamilton is in the center of it all, close to I-195 and the New Jersey Turnpike and just minutes from the Hamilton Train with direct service to New York City and Philadelphia.

….NO JOB TOO SMALL!

Prompt call backs. Fast appointments!

Customer satisfaction guaranteed!

Sharbell Development

Vintage at Hamilton Unveils Model Home

• Patio and walkway repairs: sunken, uneven areas re-leveled and pitch corrected…patios and walkways cleaned and re-sanded.

• Steps and front porches: rebuild, or repair and renovate

• Cracked foundations: repair and re-stucco.

• Concrete steps and sidewalks: repaired and resurfaced. Township sidewalks creating a liability. We can fix that!

• We make steps safer!! Are your steps unsafe? Uneven or too deep? Are your steps greater than 8” from one step up to the next? We can help!

• Loose brick, cracked bricks, loose railings: We replace broken brick and repoint your brick walls and steps. We tighten loose railings.

• Masonry painting- epoxy and enamel-based masonry coatings for steps, porches and foundations.

Te

ST i MON i ALS

:

“A craftsman in his work & a FIVE STAR rating in customer service!

Jo Schmidt, Pennington

“Greg is more than just a mason…he is a true craftsman, dedicated to finding innovative solutions. Precise planning, attention to detail, professional results…Re-New delivers it all!”

Julie M., Lawrenceville

Decorators have been hard at work, the finishing touches are in place, and the model home is now open and ready for touring at Vintage at Hamilton! Continuing its 25-year journey of creating highly soughtafter active adult neighborhoods in Hamilton Township, Sharbell Development Corp.’s newest Mercer County community features 122 luxury townhomes and duplexes. As always, buyers are impressed with the ultraconvenient location, thoughtful home designs and exceptional value and quality for which Sharbell is known. Visitors are charmed by the beautifully decorated home while experiencing an authentic picture of how versatile the home designs at Vintage truly are. Four different floor plans are offered which feature 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, first floor study and a spacious second floor loft area. All homes come with an attached one or two-car garage (depending on plan) and full basement. Homes range from approximately 2420 – 2491 square feet.

In addition to a long list of standard features, including plank style flooring, oak tread staircases, granite countertops, ceramic tiled baths, smart home technology and much more, buyers can customize their homes even further with a choice of numerous options and upgrades when visiting the Sharbell Design Studio. Buyers also love having the option to finish their basement for an added level of living!

Vintage at Hamilton boasts a fantastic central New Jersey location which truly puts it in the center of everything. Traveling to NYC,

Philadelphia and the NJ shore is easy via Routes 195, 295, the NJ Turnpike. The Hamilton Train Station on the Northeast Corridor line is within 5 miles of Vintage. Area airports include Trenton/Princeton, Newark Liberty International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport. The local area is also home to a variety of shopping and dining options as well. For a day out, the quaint towns of Princeton, Lambertville and New Hope are nearby, offering waterfront dining, antique shops and so much more. The 1,000+ acre Hamilton Veterans Park is directly across from the entrance to Vintage, and in addition to the many recreational activities offered, hosts annual events such as Fourth of July celebration and Oktoberfest.

Home buyers will also enjoy community amenities, including an outdoor pool with patio, clubhouse and more.

About Sharbell Development Corporation. Since 1984, Sharbell Development Corp. has built over 4,000 homes in central New Jersey. Vintage at Hamilton is their fourth active adult community in Hamilton Township, a testament to the company’s strong relationship with the residents of the area. Sharbell also successfully develops and manages complete retail, office and mixed-use projects throughout the state. Sharbell has garnered numerous national and local honors and awards, including 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty’s Diamond Home Builder designation and NJ Future’s Smart Growth Award. Sharbell maintains an ongoing commitment to serving the needs of its homeowners, as well as serving the public good through meticulous planning, sensitivity to land use and a constant effort to improve the communities in which it builds.

For more information call 609-9003130 or visit www.sharbell.com. See ad, page 9

The Buxton Complex

A One-Stop Shop in Mercer County

The Buxton Complex is a one stop shop right here in Mercer County. Family owned and operated since 1982, The Buxton Complex is celebrating 40 years and 4 generations in business. Located in Ewing, you can see the facility from Route 95 just after exit 72, showcasing Sheds, Swingsets, a Garden Center, COWs – Container On Wheels portable storage, and Buxton’s Boxes Self Storage. Buxton’s Backyard Structures features swingsets to fit any backyard, available in both wood or vinyl construction, the sets are designed for fun, value and most importantly safety. Children can slide, swing, climb and challenge their imaginations, while exercising and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. In addition to play sets, Sheds for storage or that She-Shed that she always wanted, along with handmade outdoor furniture from picnic tables, benches, to Adirondack chairs are also available. As an authorized dealer for The Big Green Egg®, a premier ceramic cooking system renowned for its signature green porcelain glaze, precise temperature control and easy clean-up. The Big Green Egg® is perfect for the cooking enthusiast who enjoys grilling, smoking, searing, and baking all in one grill in your backyard. Come join the first ever NJ EGG FEST, on April 29th, 2023 at the Buxton Complex. Come out for a day of grilling, tasting and talking anything and everything Big Green Egg®. Whether you’ve

had an EGG for years, are just getting started or are thinking about purchasing your first EGG, EGG FEST is the perfect place to get all your questions answered. There will be special offers and demo EGGs for purchase. We will have many EGGsperts on site with lots of knowledge on everything Big Green Egg®. Visit www. NJEGGFEST.com for tickets.

Buxton’s Quality Furniture hosts a 6,000 sq.ft. showroom of quality American-made furniture from 12 highly skilled builders. Discover amazing bedroom and living room sets as well as desks, bookshelves, chests, kitchen islands, and more. All furniture is made from solid wood and is available unfinished, stained or painted. Purchase right off the floor or order the size, style and color that will match your home design.

Buxton’s Boxes Self Storage offers a very organized way to store your belongings, whether you are moving, decluttering, renovating or need storage for business purposes. COWs, Containers on Wheels, make staging your home, renovating and local moving painless by keeping your container at your own location, you can take your time loading/ unloading your belongings. To make all your moving needs painless, there are also boxes and moving supplies available in store or delivered right with your container. For over 20 years, The Buxton

Complex has been your local neighborhood dealer, need a truck or trailer? The Buxton Complex can help with your rental whether local or one-way. Whether you are shopping for something particular or just looking for some ideas on how to furnish your home or property, The Buxton Complex located at 1536 Lower Ferry Road, Ewing NJ is the place to visit, 7-days a week! www. TheBuxtonComplex.com or call 609-771-0274. See ad, page 12.

Jammer Doors

Celebrating 103 Years in Business

Back in 1920 and 103 years later Jammer Doors has been and still is a quality organization, setting serious standards in the industry. Jammer Doors is family owned and operated, and have been serving the tri-state area ever since.

Jammer Doors’ success didn’t just happen by luck or overnight. It jumps back to 1920, when the late Laura M. Jammer and her husband, Louis A. Jammer Sr., started a weatherstripping business out of their home in Morrisville, Pennsylvania. Over time the business grew from installing window screens and porch screening to selling a variety of doors, including popular overhead garage doors.

Today Jammer Doors is in its fourth generation of being a familyowned and operated business for more than 94 years, specializing in the sales, service, and installation of quality doors and door-related products. Just this past spring joining its work force is recent

college graduate Louis A Jammer

IV. Bringing in a new generation of ideas, experience, and ethics is exactly what Jammer aims for when entering almost a century of quality service.

Garage doors today are now designed to be part of your home’s design and its architecture. A home’s garage door can make a statement, to reflect the unique style and personality of a home and its owner.

You’re sure to find the perfect garage door with Jammer Doors, one of the premiere garage door companies in the tri-county area!

At Jammer Doors each product line we carry offers the finest quality selection and exceptional warranties. Jammer deals specifically with the Raynor Innovation Series, as well as an array of carriage-style doors featuring the American Rivers collection, Artisan and CHI overhead doors.

The Innovation Series by Raynor is known for their solid construction and famous “For As Long As You Own Your Home” warranty.

You can view and try them yourself at Jammer’s large and interactive showroom, open six days a week, featuring six fully operational garage doors in the latest steel, fiberglass, and wood styles.

Jammer’s key to customer satisfaction is simple: communication, teamwork and on-site supervision of projects from beginning to end.

Jammer Doors, 10 Main Street, Yardley, Pennsylvania. 215-4937709. 2850 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. 609-883-0900. www. jammerdoors.com. See ad, page 11

Three generations of the Jammer family: Louis Jammer Jr., left, Louis Jammer IV, and Louis Jammer III.

HELP WANTED

Part-time secretary in Dr’s office. Evening and Saturday work, some secretarial experience preferred. Please call 609-587-2255 or fax resume to 609-587-7255.

KEEP YOUR DAY JOB Work

Part-Time and Make an Extra $1000 or More Per Month! Visit the website below for more information: www.livegood. com/liveandthrive

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YARD SALE

Multi-Family Yard Sale The Gatherings, 15+ homes, Access Princess Rd from Franklin Corner Rd, Saturday 4/22 9am-2pm; RD 4/23, Cash Only, No Early Birds!

DATING

Meet other classical music loving singles before enjoying a concert! Do-Re-Meet: LGBTQ+

Single Mingle Wednesday, April 12, 7:00 PM, followed by a concert by jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant; Presented by Princeton University Concerts & The Singles Group; Tickets & info: puc.princeton.edu/do-remeet,609-258-2800.

SERVICES

ROCK & ROLL BAND AVAILABLE FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT. 50’s, 60’s, 70s, and 80’s ask for Rich 609-222-2570.

DOG WALKER: Local dog walker available to walk, sit or play with your dog when you can’t. Rates depending on needs. Please contact me, Dave the Dog Walker at shapdog64@gmail. com. Messages will be returned promptly.

LEGAL SERVICES Wills, Power of Attorney, Real Estate, Federal and NJ Taxes, House calls available. Bruce Cooke, Esq. 609-799-4674, 609-721-4358.

Senior Concierge. Let me be your helper. In the home or on the road. Part-time/Day or evening. Very good references. Call Mary anne, 609-298-4456. F,D,Mason Contractor, Over 30 years of experience. Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete. No job too large or small. Fully Insured and Licensed. Free Estimates 908-385-5701 Lic#13VH05475900.

Are you single? Try us first! We are an enjoyable alternative to online dating. Sweet Beginnings Matchmaker, 215-539-2894, www.sweetbeginnings.info.

WANTED TO BUY

Wanted: Baseball, football, basketball, hockey. Cards, autographs, photos,

memorabilia. Highest cash prices paid! Licensed corporation, will travel. 4thelovofcards, 908-596-0976. allstar115@verizon.net.

HappyHeroes used books looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, Children’s Illustrated, kids series books (old Hardy boys-Nancy DrewJudy Bolton- Dana girls, WITH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), Dell Mapbacks - Good Girl Art PULPS - non-sports cards, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks old COLLIER’S. Call 609-619-3480 or email happyheroes@gmail.com

Cash paid for World War II military items.Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call 609-581-8290 or email mymilitarytoys@ optonline.net

Cash paid for SELMER

SAXOPHONES and other vintage models. 609-581-8290 or email mymilitarytoys@optonline.net

COMMERCIAL SPACE

3,500 SF OFFICE SPACE, Ewing/ Mercer County, FREE RENT, 201488-4000 or 609-883-7900

Space available in the Ewing Professional Park. Comfortable suite currently used by mental health professionals. Waiting room, kitchenette and restrooms in suite. Well-lighted parking lot. Available Jan 1st. For more details, email suppsoln27@ yahoo.com or call Supportive Solutions at 609-635-3751.

Hamilton/ Allentown BorderHighly Traveled visible location. Commercial end unit in Globus Plaza - 1100sf+/- can be leased entirely or subdivided. Ideal for professional/medical offices, services, studio & retail store. Highly traveled visible location . Easy access to NJTP, Rt.130, I95. Call for info. DiDonato Realty, 609-586-2344/ Marian Conte BR 609-947-4222

Office Space For Rent: Pennington ground floor office space 32 N Main Street. Share with clinical psychologist and real estate management company. Private entrance, off street parking. 305-968-7308

Princeton Commercial Retail Spaces for Lease: Various Locations in Town. Please Contact: Weinberg Management. WMC@collegetown. Text 609731-1630

VACATION RENTALS

Florida Beach Rental: Fort Myers Beach 1br vacation condo on the beach, flexible dates available. Call 609-577-8244 for further information

Hilton Head South Carolina Blue Water Resort 1 week w/7 day golf package free except cart, 2 Bed & 2 Baths, Sleeps 6. $1000 Call Sam 609-586-0037

BUSINESS FOR SALE

To book a classified ad in this section, please email your text and any other information to mdurelli@communitynews.org. Classifieds run at 75 cents per word with a $20 minimum per month. For more information, call 609-396-1511, ext. 105.

Salon for sale- excellent opportunity. Priced to sell. Relocating out of state. Large space, great potential. Available to share. Call 609462-0188.

SEEKING FRIENDS

Meet other music-loving singles before enjoying a concert by Chiaroscuro String Quartet at Do-ReMeet: Find My Friends.

Sunday, March 26th, 4:00 PM, Princeton University Campus, Presented by Princeton University Concerts and The Singles Group Tickets & Info: puc.princeton.edu/do-remeet 609-258-2800.

DATING

Meet other music-lovers before enjoying a concert by jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant at Do-Re-Meet: LGBTQ+ Single Mingle.

Wednesday, April 12, 7:00 PM, Princeton University Campus, Presented by Princeton University Concerts and The Singles Group, Tickets & Info: puc.princeton.edu/do-remeet, 609-258-2800

CEMETERY PLOTS

For sale double depth cemetery plot. Location Princeton memorial park, Gordon Road, Robbinsville. Call 609-259-7710.

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Dental insurance - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www. dental50plus.com/ads #6258

Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587

Miscellaneous

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833610-1936

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800245-0398

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Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed

Puzzle solutions

Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866-479-1516

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he noted how owners Chris and Jess D’Addario started talking about fellow food trucks “almost as best friends” or “family,” the journalist explained in a February interview with the Hamilton Post.

“They sometimes depend on each other, but then they also bond because they’ll see a lot of the same owners at different events,” he said, and when “everybody has their misfortune, whether their generator dies or they run out of a product or something, those [trucks], rather than being competition, [are] there to lend a helping hand,” Lombardi added.

After its successful debut, the web series would continue reporting on six food trucks per year to reach the current number, which is, as of press time, 30 total. By 2021, Lombardi was considering publishing a book about his food truck experiences when Parisi joined him, and “The Best New Jersey Food Trucks” eventually found a home at The History Press.

The book, which divides the state into four areas—south, north, central, and the Jersey Shore—includes names like Bearded One BBQ, Maddalena’s CheeseCake & Catering, Good Food = Good Mood, Five Sisters Food Co., and House of Cupcakes in Princeton, as well as Mama Dude’s and Surf and Turf Truck in Hamilton.

The personal nature of Lombardi’s interviews matches the atmosphere of the ordering process at these mobile munching spots. By simulating this amicable yet intimate environment in literary form, Lombardi invites the reader to learn more about the creative geniuses and culinary talents behind each business.

“You walk up to the window and have people from all different styles of cooking, all different cultures, all different backgrounds, coming together through food, and through this whole industry. I think it’s absolutely incredible, because it allows that opportunity,” he said.

Lombardi was born in Teaneck, lived in Nutley until he was five, and then moved with his family to Hillsborough to be closer to his father’s job. Prior to working for ADT Security Services for about 20 years, Lombardi’s father was in the telecommunications industry, while his mother is an avid cosmetologist.

“My mom always cooked. I’d wake up [on] Sunday morning, and she’d already be making sauce—just an amazing scent throughout the house. Then, throughout the week, she’d be cooking different meals and trying different recipes,” Lombardi said. “Anytime I’d go to my grandma, she’d always be cooking [too].”

Lombardi started working for Best of NJ in 2015, becoming an events writer and photographer for the publication. Soon, a familiar face in the food scene

began to emerge from his beat of street fairs and outdoor gatherings.

During the interview, the D’Addarios spoke with Lombardi and his then-girlfriend, now wife, Christine, “as if we’ve known each other for years,” but throughout the recording, “people kept interrupting—in the best way possible—to compliment Chris on his barbecue and just how much they enjoyed it, and they’re going back; they’re waiting for their second order because they loved it so much.”

“You don’t really think, specifically talking about the food trucks—at least I didn’t think about—one, what went into the business, and two, the people behind the business,” he said. “My dad and I used to go to the city, whether we went to see a baseball game or for different purposes, [since] I have family who live out there, but you see the hotdog vendors a lot.”

As a resident of Central New Jersey, Lombardi explained, he grew up near the site of Rutgers University’s famed “Grease Trucks,” a horde of historic, hunger-satisfying food trucks that served inexpensive campus fare. The institution removed a majority of these businesses and relocated the rest around 2013, which caused many of the “Fat Sandwiches” and other deep-fried delights of legend to drive off with them.

While grease trucks have a charm of their own, especially for nostalgic college students, Lombardi’s prior associations with food trucks carried that same imagery. Lombardi now knows just how these owners have “a wealth of knowledge” to impart, and with chefs that pay close attention to menus and ingredients as part of their commitment to delivering a satisfying meal for customers, the people behind the three Mercer County businesses Lombardi has covered so far strive to keep sharing that wisdom.

Andrew Dudich, the owner of Mama Dude’s, established his signature farm-totable truck with a name that pays homage to his late mother, who was also a chef and passed away during his senior year at their shared alma mater, the prestigious Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Mama Dude’s opened under a simple premise: to source all produce from five local New Jersey farms, which would then be featured in a revolving menu that changes per season. Since establishing its Hamilton brick-and-mortar location at 11 Sunnybrae Boulevard, Mama Dude’s has continued to build a loyal following thanks to unique additions like burnt carrots, which change up the structured menu of “base, protein, toppings, and sauce.”

Dudich’s recipe for his Griggstown turkey breakfast tacos utilizes several other See TRUCKS, Page 24

components—fresh thyme honey, pepper jam, and tzatziki sauces—which come alive as complementary flavors to the ground meat in the tortilla. Another hack in the book replicates his go-to method for replicating pickled cotton candy grapes (and yes, you heard that right).

Cindy Matas co-founded the Surf and Turf Truck in 2013 with her sister and brother-in-law, Beata and Adam Browne, after a decade of working in California for the Sony Corporation. Now, the Hamilton native runs the northeast operations for the truck whose menu, developed by Adam, marries the land and sea in glorious, meaty harmony just like the “secret” menu item, a lobster-steak surf and turf sandwich.

House of Cupcakes won the show “Cupcake Wars” a year after opening, which caused them to “explode in popularity” and attract visitors who, as owner Ron Bzdewka added with shocked emphasis in the Q&A, would “even drive two hours to come” to purchase their signature sweets. House of Cupcakes is now a Princeton staple with four locations in total.

While the northern and southern parts of New Jersey have their alliances with the corresponding cities in proximity, Lombardi conveys how central New Jersey not only exists—a hotly-debated topic

among the state’s residents—but has its own distinct flair, a feat that is shown through food trucks like Mama Dude’s, House of Cupcakes, and more.

Lombardi aimed to “highlight” the tireless efforts of these chefs, regardless of whether their inspirations led them to study at the Culinary Institute of America or prepare a comforting meal for their family following a long day of working at the office.

“A lot of these individuals likely wouldn’t have opened their own restaurants, but instead, they have these trucks, and they’re able to deliver their food. A lot of these recipes [are] from their families that have either been passed down or that they’ve created—they’re sharing bits of themselves, and I think it’s amazing.”

“Maddalena’s [CheeseCake & Catering] have been in it for four decades already,” he said of the Hunterdon County enterprise. “There are all different levels of experience and stories.”

“I hope that [readers] take away that there are people behind each and every one of these businesses, and not just the 20 that are featured in the book, but that anytime they go to a food truck festival, there are people behind those businesses,” he explained, extending that “on a grander scale” to any local shop, “that there are owners behind it, and there are families behind where they are and what’s being offered to them” as customers.

As a former restaurant server himself, Lombardi recognized the importance of people understanding that those in the industry are more than just “nameless, faceless beings behind the counter,” especially in non-traditional environments like food trucks.

Lombardi said he was lucky that he

had met with the owners of two food trucks the weekend before the March shutdown, which set him up to have enough content for the first few months of his Best of NJ series in 2020.

Once outdoor events began again, though, food trucks emerged as a way to offer safer eating experiences in uncertain times. Food trucks became more accessible in the months before traditional restaurants reopened for business due to the ease with which they could relocate and join forces with other businesses. That feeling of camaraderie that Lombardi found so intriguing was stronger than ever.

Although Parisi’s initial vision for the book was an “oversized coffee table book featuring large color photos of the trucks, the teams behind them, and their signature menu items,” according to his preface, Lombardi had another idea.

As a way of differentiating the compilation from the webseries, Lombardi thought featuring recipes from the food trucks would add “a little bit more of a draw,” since the direct know-how would not give away the star recipe—such as Maddalena’s cheesecakes or the Brownie Bar’s brownies—but inform readers on how to follow in similar footsteps.

The options, Lombardi said, include “anything from side dishes and sauces up to complete meals where you can feed your family or a party,” with the author saying he owes the “enthusiastic” food truck owners for sharing the recipes that made the book possible.

For example, “Massimo’s (non) Gingerbread Cookies” is one that Lai Barboni, the co-founder of The Brownie Bar, published and created for her son, “who doesn’t particularly like gingerbread cookies but wanted to embrace the celebrations of Christmas,” according to Lombardi.

“She shared that recipe, and that was super touching because she was sharing a part of her family,” Lombardi said. “It’s sharing love.”

Lombardi said that when all is said and done, it is important to be proud of your cuisine and remember the value of cooking a meal to sustain you and your family.

“In terms of being at home and cooking in your own kitchen, it’s an unparalleled experience. I love going in and throwing on some music—I [have] my own playlist for when I’m cooking—and I’m prepping the ingredients, smelling the aromas, and tasting the sauces. All this can, at times, be a very therapeutic experience,” he explained. “I love to encourage that, because I hope that people get at least some of the enjoyment that I get out of it.”

Originally, Lombardi wanted to include a personal recipe or two, but space constraints prevented him from doing so; he

Rage and Ron Bzdewka of House of Cupcakes. (Photo by Patrick Lombardi)

thinks that could possibly be in store for a “future edition.”

Lombardi shared that instead of picking a food truck at a festival that matches his mood, he now “makes his rounds” to the trucks he has previously covered to check in and, of course, sample some more food.

He is friends with many of the food truck owners, having formed relationships through the network and even hiring Emily and Dean from Good Food = Good Mood to cater his COVID-conscious wedding from his mother-in-law’s driveway. He recommended all the food trucks featured, gushing over everyone from Kiersten’s Creations, Chick Wings & Things, Cubano X-Press, Five Sisters, Ms. Fu’s Yummy Food Truck, Bearded One BBQ, and, of course, House of Cupcakes, which he always grabs when he is in Princeton.

Lombardi will be promoting “The New Jersey Food Truck Cookbook” at events like the book signing at Commonplace Reader in Yardley on March 11, Mama Dude’s on March 18, and the Lawrenceville Spring for the Arts Festival in Weeden Park on May 6.

He is also in the early stages of launching DevourNJ.com, his own website for foodies that “aims to boost indepen-

Buying gold, silver

dently owned food businesses throughout the state” and “highlights the best of a booming culinary scene by introducing in-depth profiles and photographical and video tours of local eateries and their owners.”

Lombardi hopes to follow this up with new collections of work in the genres of humor and horror, in which he has been dabbling since the end of last year.

By November, Lombardi had decided to stay awake after getting up with his newborn son in the morning, using that time to hone his skills and write short stories. The multigenre aficionado has a few first drafts ready to go, but always comes back to food.

“As much as I love to promote New Jersey in so many different ways, I hope that no matter where everybody [goes], they’re taking into consideration just exactly what shop they’re in, or what restaurant they’re in, and who might be behind that counter,” Lombardi said.

“The New Jersey Food Truck Cookbook,” Patrick Lombardi and Vincent Parisi, Arcadia Publishing. Available through Arcadia, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Attention Christian Single Adults over 30!!!

Join us for an evening of fun, fellowship and bowling at a kickoff event for this exciting new ministry!

Central Jersey Christian Single Adult 30+ Ministry is a Christian Ministry that seeks to target and minister to both the spiritual and social needs of Christian single adults over thirty through social events, Christian fellowship, Bible study, and prayer ministry.

Our first event will be held at a bowling alley in Hamilton. Date, time, and location to be confirmed, based on RSVP. There will be a cost for shoes, bowling and food.

For more information, call Ms. Norman at 609-672-7313 Email: CJCSA.Ministry@gmail.com

Cindy Matas of the Hamilton-based Surf and Turf food truck.

SPORTS Nottingham boys take CJ III basketball crown

By Rich Fisher

When Q McMillan went down with a knee injury in October; it not only altered the dynamic of the Nottingham High football team; but its basketball team as well. The Northstars knew they would be without their returning leading scorer and top player for the entire season; and word around the Colonial Valley Conference is that Nottingham had gone from a contender to mid-level threat.

“I knew we were counted out since the beginning of the season,” senior guard JP Dickerson said. “We took every game personally going forward.”

It started on opening night, after McMillan delivered an inspiring text to coach Chris Raba, which The Baron relayed to his team. It read:

dow. I know what we built and it would have been amazing to play this year, good luck to you guys!! Tell the boys don’t take it for granted, it’s a blessing. . .”

Raba said the message made his players think hard about living for the moment.

“The kids realized that their season or their high school career could end in a blink of an eye,” he said. “Q’s message was to enjoy the time that we have together, play like it’s your last play, and don’t ever take anything for granted, because he would do anything to play.”

“His text definitely gave us some type of attitude to keep our heads up and keep going,” Dickerson said. “It gave us motivation as individuals and as a team.”

Throw in the fact that Nottingham got help from two Trenton Catholic transfers; Raba added to his legacy as one of the top coaches in the CVC and beyond; and the team itself had an innate toughness both mentally and physically; and it became a memorable season defined by the team’s state tournament run.

say in the paper that we lost to them by this amount of points. It was fuel for me and the team.”

Dickerson rode that fuel to a phenomenal state run. He averaged 22.4 points in the first five games before being plagued by foul trouble in the final. A fierce penetrator who could score at the rim or kick to a teammate for a 3-pointer, JP was a work in progress who finally found his niche when TCPA transfer TJ Keese became eligible in January and took over at point guard.

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Fueled by that advice, Nottingham survived McMillan’s loss and also a mid-season ending injury to Jordan Raba – one of the team’s top scorers, rebounders and assist men. The Stars finished 22-9, won the Central Jersey Group III title despite being the underdog in every game; and reached the Group III championship game before falling to Ramapo.

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As McMillan advised, they never took anything for granted.

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Despite a No. 2 seeding in CJ III, Nottingham was not a clear cut favorite against Red Bank and Matawan in the first two rounds. After surviving both games (and nearly blowing a huge lead to Red Bank), the Stars were expected to lose against Robbinsville and Ewing, which beat them in the regular season. Nottingham beat both in memorable games that went down to the wire, and then did the same against Moorestown in the Group III semifinal. They nearly blew huge leads against the Devils and Quakers but got tough when it mattered.

For much of the year Raba and Dickerson butted heads with the coach saying “it was a lot about tough love. It took a while for him to buy into what we wanted him to do.”

What Raba and assistant Anthony “Jellybean” Alston – who the coach praised for being an outstanding right-hand man – wanted was for Dickerson to share the ball more and find his open men on the perimeter.

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2023 Annual Hamilton Stream Cleanup

2023 Annual Hamilton Stream Cleanup

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“He always had the mind set that he had to score,” Raba said. “I used to always ask him ‘How come when you’re open, your teammates find you, but when they are open, you don’t find your teammates?’ We would watch film, and pause the film and show him the players that were open.

Rain Date: April 22, 2023

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“We were underdogs from the first round of the state tournament,” Raba said. “We watched film and prepared for every team we played. Going into every game we felt like we were going to win. It didn’t matter what anyone else thought. We were prepared and we had a chip on our shoulders.

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“The guys were locked in, and none of them wanted to let the person next to them down. Regardless of the outcome at Rutgers (against Ramapo), these guys are winners.They learned sacrifice, selflessness and that no one is bigger than the program. Those qualities are going to make them successful in life. I learned a long time ago, it’s not about the X’s and O’s, it’s about the Jimmies and Joes. The kids made the season. I will be forever indebted to them.”

Nottingham hit a late-season speed bump with losses to Marlboro and Notre Dame in the Mercer County Tournament before winning its finale against West Windsor-Plainsboro South. That lit the match.

“After we went on the losing streak, we just put all the pieces together,” Dickerson said. “We got the job done. I feel like it was a sign from God or something. We played these teams again in the playoffs and turned around and beat them to win a sectional title when no one thought it was possible. Before every game they would

“He started to buy in once TJ became eligible. He saw how great of a player TJ was and how he didn’t even have to score to impact the game. I feel over the last eight or nine games of the season, there was no one better in the area than JP. He put us on his shoulders and carried us. He refused for us to lose. What he did was remarkable.”

And it wasn’t just on offense.

“He is also the most disruptive defensive player in the county in our system,” Raba continued. “He plays the top of our traps extremely well. Teams have to game plan for him on the defensive end, and you can’t say that about any players in the area.”

Dickerson admitted he had some work to do; especially blending with several new players.

“I guess the chemistry finally settled in where I got to know each player individually and became more able to read everybody and know what they could do and know where to find each person,” he said after averaging 17 points, six rebounds and 2.6 assists. “During mid-season and going into the end of the season, I was able to do my game and also find others

on my team open.”

The supporting cast included TCPA imports Dom Raymond and Keese. Raymond, a junior who played through injury in the state final, was a relentless force inside, averaging 12 points and eight rebounds. Keese, a senior, changed the Northstars fortunes when he became eligible, providing a true floor general while averaging nine points, three rebounds and three assists.

“Dom and TJ have that winning DNA that is infectious, and contagious,” Raba said. “They both played in the state final last year against Roselle Catholic. They are winners. They have been on winning teams since they were little. They don’t care about points or stats, they only care about winning.

“Dom is a skilled big man. He can score in the low post, because he has great footwork, and Kevin McHale-like moves. He also has a great mid-range game. TJ was a coach on the court. He was an extension of me. He played tremendous defense, and he allowed JP to play off the ball. This made JP much tougher to guard.”

Not to be discounted were senior Joe Lemly, a team leader who averaged 10 points and led the team with 59 3-pointers; junior Jake Dormevil, who played strong minutes underneath in giving Raymond a break; junior Donte Alexander, who came

off the bench to hit countless key buckets and junior Jahmere Miller, who provided toughness and strong defense. They all stepped up in the face of adversity.

Destination Shopping For All Seasons

“When Jordan got hurt he led the team in assists and was the only one who had a positive assist to turnover ratio,” Raba said of his son, who’s a junior. “We always say

not everyone can be a superstar, but everyone can be a star in their role. Joe Lemly, Donte Alexander, Jahmere Miller, Jacob Dormevi, Matt Juliano, Tyree Thompson, Mike Rocco, Mike Charles and Yasin Britt all accepted their roles and they all pushed each other in practice.

“We never played with our whole team throughout the season. TJ had to sit 30 days, Jordan got hurt, Jacob was going through some personal issues. But it’s funny, I was getting compliments from other coaches on the way we were playing.”

That style of play enabled Nottingham to join the 2018 squad as the lone teams in program history to win a sectional title and reach the state final. It wasn’t always easy, but it was worth it.

“Caring was a major part of creating the type of environment that made success possible this year,” Raba said. “There were a lot of times where I’m sure parents and players didn’t like me, but I always had the team’s best interest on my mind. And they knew it was tough love. I was always honest with our players, and that meant saying things that our guys didn’t want to hear.

“But once the team bought in, we were fun to coach, fun to watch. They played with such intensity and enthusiasm.They played the right way. I was just happy they allowed me to be part of the ride.”

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The Nottingham High School boys’ basketball team, with coach Chris Raba, right, celebrate their Central Jersey Group III championship.

Steinert boys ’75 headed to Mercer Soccer Hall of Fame

By Rich Fisher

During the mid-1970s, Steinert High’s soccer program threw an every-otheryear party as it won Group IV state titles in 1973, ’75 and ’77. Much like the middle child in a family, the middle champion is sometimes overlooked due to the sheer star power of the other two teams.

But what the 1975 state co-champions lacked in superstars, it made up for with super cohesion. That band of Spartans finished 18-1-2 and tied Kearny in the state final while playing short handed for most of the game due to an early red card.

In showing just how good the team was, it received a season-ending No. 1 ranking in the New Jersey coaches state poll, edging out Mercer County rival Lawrence for the honor.

“Our team had just a great camaraderie,” said Joe “Ape” Fink, a senior captain along with John McDowell. “We were underdogs going into that season. Nobody thought we were gonna be any good. I think that motivated most, if not all of us. We were a team, we played together, we hung out together. No superstars. Just a lot of good, solid players who got along, played well and were successful.”

That success will be recognized on April 15 at the Hibernian Club in Hamil-

ton, when the ’75 Spartans are inducted into the Mercer County Soccer Hall of Fame along with three other Mercer teams that won state titles that season.

Lawrence, Ewing and Notre Dame are getting in, along with individuals Gary Hindley, Red Birch, Al Leister, Saskia Webber and Kylee Rossi-Flynn. Cocktail hour is at 5 p.m. and $60 tickets can be purchased by calling 609-731-5906 or emailing bruce@mercercountysoccerhof.com

It’s a deserved honor, despite the fact Steinert lacked the record-setting scorers and All-Americans like the Spartan champs right before and after them. Asked if his team felt somewhat overshadowed, Fink quickly responded “I don’t think so.”

“The ’73 team (20-0-1) was an awesome team; they were strong top to bottom,” said Joe, who had brothers on both teams. “The ’77 team (24-0) was ridiculously loaded. They had better talent than us overall; but as a team we held our own.”

Jim Bowen, who along with brother John were sophomore starters in 1975 and one of the many megastars of 1977, saw similarities and differences.

“Both teams had good goalkeeping and dogged defenses,” Bowen said. “The midfield/forward formation was a little differ-

ent and set up based on the players available. As I recall, most of the goals in ‘75 came from the forwards. In ‘77 although a lot of goals came from the BFB (BowenTom Fink-Bowen) line, we had another 40 goals from midfielders and other position players.”

With five future Mercer County HOF players on the roster, it sounds strange to say there were no superstars in ‘75 but statistically Steinert’s players did not light it up. They just won with precisionlike play and powerful chemistry.

“We were a very united team,” said Dan Povia, a senior midfielder. “We spent as much time together off the field as we did on the field. We were also a very intelligent team who knew and played the game well. I like to think it was our smarts that led to the championship and number-one team in the state.”

Fink laughed when informed of Povia’s assessment.

“Of course he’d say that, he was ranked number one in our class,” the Ape said. Actually Povia was No. 3, but the team was loaded with scholars. The Bowen brothers and classmate Jack Blair went to Princeton, junior Kevin Haney attended the Naval Academy and every senior on the team played college soccer. Three went on to be successful high school coaches.

Fink, the stopper, was in the back with seniors Dave Andres at sweeper and Rick Picatagi and the late Brian “Maynard” Welsh at fullbacks. Senior Sam Maira and Haney split time in goal.

The midfield started with Povia and juniors Gary McIlroy and Ruben Rivera, while up front senior Kenan McCoy centered the Bowen twins. When McCoy, one of Mercer County’s most talented offensive players, suffered a season-ending broken ankle seven games into the campaign, Rick Wiener took his place up front and McIlroy moved forward to create a 4-2-4 formation.

Reserves featured McDowell, Tom Moffat, Dominick Castaldo, Tom Fink, John Leigh, Dan Downs, Jack Blair, Steve Tondreau, George Jolly and the late Bobby and Mike McVicker.

It was a veteran cast that got a boost from the underclassmen up front. The seniors made sure they were comfortable.

“Moving up from Reynolds to Steinert was a big step,” Jim Bowen said. “We’re playing with men now, in an elite high school program. Intimidating. The seniors were a strong, cohesive unit and a great bunch of guys. Their experience and leadership were instrumental in making us youngsters feel welcome.”

Steinert was coming off an underachieving year (by its standards) after

The Steinert High School boys’ soccer team 1975: (front row) Kevin Haney, Bob McVicker, Jack Blair, John Bowen, John Leigh, Jim Bowen, Dan Downs, Reuben Rivera, Dominick Castaldo, Rick Wiener, Steve Tondreau and Gary McIllroy; and (back row) George Jolly, Mike McVicker, Tom Fink, Joe Fink, Tom Moffat, Dave Andres, Brian Welsh, Richard Picatagi, Dan Povia, John McDowell, Sam Maira and Coach Paul Tessein.

losing to John F. Kenney in the Central Jersey Group IV finals. The returning players were sparked by that, along with what Fink said were “a few naysayers who said we weren’t gonna be any good.” * * *

Steinert opened 5-0 before tying prep power Lawrenceville. After four more wins, the Spartans lost a rematch to archrival Hamilton, 4-2.

“They were a great team,” Fink said. “On paper they were probably, if not the best, the second best team behind Lawrence. Hamilton was loaded that year. You talk about great players. Rich Alito, John Carmignani, Bobby Lloyd, (the late) Glenn Chorba, Bobby Sanguinetti, Jimmy Hudik, Chris Barlow. Those guys were good.”

After finishing the regular season 14-1-1 Steinert topped Colonia 2-0 and Neptune 3-2, setting up a Central Jersey Group IV title game with Hamilton before an overflow crowd at Mercer Park. The Hornets took a 2-1 lead before McIlroy, who was on fire in the states, scored twice for a 3-2 Spartan win.

“The number gets bigger every year of how many people were there,” Fink said. “That was absolutely the most memorable game of my high school career.”

talk was flying.

“And then they said ‘Runner-up, Lawrence High School,’” Fink recalled. “Then we knew it was us, so that was cool.”

Fink would be named All-State that night and, aside from his playing ability, was also lauded by Maira several years ago as the best captain he ever played with. Povia agreed, saying “Joe led by example, no one worked harder. He pushed us when we needed pushing and he picked us up when we fell. Cliches, but true. “

Fink praised his fellow captain, saying of McDowell, “he was a great captain and a great leader.”

The big leader, of course, was coach Paul Tessein, who won the first of his four state titles that year after taking over the program in 1974. Bowen felt that was another similarity his two teams had

The big leader, of course, was coach Paul Tessein, who won the first of his four state titles that year after taking the program over in 1974.

Jim Bowen scored the game’s lone goal in a 1-0 win over Shawnee in the state semis at Glassboro State (now Rowan) where, ironically, Fink’s future wife Luddy was attending at the time.

That left only North Jersey power Kearny standing in the way.

Fink scored the last of his three career goals early in the game to put Steinert on top. Shortly afterward, Steinert was red carded for running into the goalie; leaving the Spartans one man short the rest of the way. Kearny tied it in the first half; Steinert regrouped after intermission and the game ended 1-1 as the teams were declared co-champions.

“At the time, it didn’t really feel like we won a championship,” Fink said. “We were very disappointed. We still should have won. We dominated the game.”

Steinert got vindication at the All-State banquet. As the state’s top 20 teams were counted down, they started with No. 20. Steinert and Lawrence players were seated at the same table, and as the list shrank to two teams, the friendly trash

Hamilton’s

“In the end, both teams were great in their own right with a collection of talented soccer players,” he said. “And not to forget Paul Tessein. Both teams had a great coach.”

Povia concurred, noting that “he stressed the fundamentals, preached ball control and a short passing game. He spent much time sharing how he wanted us to play and what our roles were. He was positive even when we were not at our best.”

Fink played two years for Tessein at Reynolds and two more at Steinert, giving him true insight to the coach who would become a legend.

“I enjoyed my time playing for him,” Fink said. “He was a student of the game, he was very into it. He was a very good trainer, our practices were very organized and he was motivating.”

He motivated a group of solid players into what would be considered the best team in New Jersey in 1975.

“I don’t like the word over-achieved, but maybe we did,” Fink said. “I think in a lot of people’s minds we did, but I don’t think in our minds we did. We didn’t under-achieve but we definitely should have won the state championship outright. So being named the number one team was nice. We just had good, steady players that showed up every day to training, worked hard and played together.

“Individually we weren’t that strong, but together, we definitely were.”

And they now enter the realm of Mercer soccer royalty.

Kuser

Farm Mansion Presents: “What’s it Worth?

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Friday, April 28th, 2023

6:30-8:30 p.m.

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to help anyone in any way he could. I never heard him decline a need to help others.”

“We all are better people because we spent so much time with Gaz,” said Dave McWilliam, who had Gazdek as his AD all 13 years he was Hamilton West’s principal.

Former Hornet head football coaches Keith Hartbauer and Tom Hoglen had Gaz as their defensive coordinator and both felt his impact was felt beyond that of just an assistant.

“Steve Gazdek was one of the most humble, passionate, loyal and genuine people I have ever worked with in my 34 years of education,” Hartbauer said. “He was so much more than a co-worker, he was a true friend.”

Hoglen added “Steve touched the lives of many that he came in contact with. He would always put everyone’s needs above his.”

Area official Ron Hoehn worked with Gazdek to help produce the George Wah Scholar-Leader-Athlete dinner, hosted by the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. The two became closer while enjoying a weekly breakfast at the Broad Street Diner with a group of

coaches, referees and reporters.

“The breakfast club allowed me to get to know him as a generous, nice guy, who would lend a hand or help any worthwhile cause,” Hoehn said. “I will miss his company at our breakfasts and as a faithful member of the chapter.”

It was at those breakfasts that one guy or another would moan about their latest health ailment. Gazdek, who was a cancer survivor and was patiently awaiting a kidney transplant, never said a word about his woes despite having more to complain about than anyone.

“Steve is one of the most courageous men that I have ever been around,” Hoglen said. “He would only look at the positives in his life.”

One of those positives was his long relationship with Eric Hamilton, whom he played for and coached with at Trenton State College (now the College of New Jersey) before working closely with him in the DelVal Chapter. Gazdek also coached his son Jeff at Hamilton West.

“Coach Gaz never complained. Why?

Because there was always someone who needed help and he would be there,” Hamilton said. “He didn’t want anybody worrying about him. I was the lucky one – I got to coach, work with and have my family be coached by one of the finest persons I know.”

After a standout career at Piscataway High in footballrich Middlesex County, Gazdek was steered toward Trenton State by a Chiefs assistant. In the late 1970s, he played for one of the youngest coaches in the NCAA at any level during that time, and the two grew together.

Hamilton saw Gazdek’s coaching instincts right from the start.

“Steve was not only a tough player, but on the field he was very smart,” said the former Hamilton Board of Education member. “He wouldn’t beat you physically, he would outsmart you. As a linebacker it wasn’t about going through the blocker, but how to get to the spot before the blocker. He coached the same way. He wasn’t fast, but he would beat you to the spot because he knew where to go. In the huddle, he would not only call the defense but made sure everyone was lined up in the right spot.”

And when he donned the gear; Gazdek’s raw grit was always on display.

“One tough SOB,” Hamilton marveled. “He played through pain and never wanted to come off the field. He played through a broken bone in his foot. He was loyal. He was a teammate who believed eleven played as one. He was the guy the other players looked to.”

It was only natural that Gaz had a spot on Hamilton’s staff after graduation; and then began his high school athletic career in the township by serving as AD and head football coach at McCorristin, where he was aided by Hoglen.

“Steve started and took great pride in the Mercer County Cheerleading competition, which gave those athletes the ability to showcase their talents and hard work,” Hoglen said. “He also had a football clinic for women while he was at McCorristin, which would teach the basics of football and build a relationship with the McCorristin community. Steve was never afraid to start something if he knew it would be beneficial for the programs that he was involved in.”

Gazdek eventually moved to West, where he was an assistant for Hartbauer before also becoming AD in McWilliam’s first year as principal.

“We were able to get special permission to have Gaz continue to coach football and also serve as the AD when Ken Mason

left,” McWilliam said. “Gaz loved to coach football and made such a difference in the lives of so many in our football program.”

He certainly had an impact on Hartbauer.

“We enjoyed a lot of success and that success can be directly related to people like Gaz,” Hartbauer said. “Gaz’s demeanor never changed, he always maintained that even-keeled personality.”

Except with officials, of course.

“He usually led our staff with 15-yard penalties, all of them justifiable in his mind,” Hartbauer said with a laugh.

But the head man could overlook that little issue since Gazdek brought so much more to the table.

“Steve and I just hit it off from day one,” Hartbauer said. “Gaz ran our defense and I ran the offense. He instantly brought credibility to our staff and program. He was a football guy first and foremost. His understanding of the game and schematics was second to none.

“It wasn’t uncommon for him to call me late at night or walk into my classroom in the middle of class and say ‘I got them figured out.’ Meaning that he had our opponent’s tendencies down and a scheme to stop them. He never stopped drawing up blitzes and our players loved playing in his defensive system.”

Hartbauer is certain that Gaz is talking smack to a football legend in Heaven.

“There is no doubt in my mind,” he said, “that he has already met Vince Lombardi and told him how he would shut down his wing T offense with his strong dog, weak fire blitzes.”

Gazdek was nicknamed “Dr. Blitz” due to his high-pressure schemes, and Hoglen was happy to inherit the Doctor when he took over for Hartbauer. It was soon deemed, however, that Gaz could not coach if he was the AD; but Hoglen still felt his positive impact.

“As an athletic director he cared about all of the school’s sports and was always free to give advice in difficult situations,” Hoglen said.

When he officiated, Hoehn encountered Gazdek as a coach and AD.

“When the whistle blew to start the game, he was out to win,” Hoehn said. “Before and after the game, he was as nice as could be - even if he didn’t like or agree with your calls.”

After Gazdek and John Costantino exchanged jobs due to a school board decision, Steve was reunited at Steinert with Webber as his principal. This time, Nate was the boss; as opposed to when they were at McCorristin; but the mutual respect remained.

“Steve had a wealth of knowledge to share when making decisions that affected the athletic department,” Webber said. “He organized our first

Gazdek

football game under the lights. He would always offer to help me in any way he could to better Steinert.”

When Gazdek retired, it was fitting that the final athletic event he oversaw was the Steinert-Hamilton Thanksgiving football game. It featured the two schools he worked for doing battle in his favorite sport.

“Steve Gazdek lived a life giving back to the game of football,” Hartbauer said. “Gaz was instrumental in starting the summer seven-on-seven league in the early 1990s at the old McCorristin field. He also took the lead in starting the Mercer County All-Star game (the Sunshine Classic). He created the Hamilton West Hall of Fame and was extremely active in the Delaware Valley Football Chapter.”

Hamilton supported Hartbauer’s notion, assuring that “Gaz was a football guy. He loved to not only play, but watch the game. No matter if he was watching, coaching, scouting or charting, he always took something away to use for his players. He was 100 percent in every game, no matter the score. He did his homework and expected as much from his players. He would give them the shirt off his back.”

The same could be said for Gaz’s family. He leaves behind wife Kathy, daughter Kimberly Kinder and her new husband Christopher, and son Steven. Kim would attend countless Hamilton athletic events and McWilliam said “Our students loved

her and so many of our kids became like brothers and sisters to her.”

Gaz would bring Steven, an Albright College lacrosse player, to numerous Steinert games and was quick to introduce him to anyone who walked by.

“He was extremely proud of his kids,” Hoglen said. “He took so much joy in raising Kimberly and Steven with Kathy. The joy that he had as a husband, father, coach, or athletic director were contagious to all that came in contact with him.”

Hartbauer added that “Steve was a great family man. His love for his wife and children could be seen on a daily basis.”

That love was returned, as Webber noticed the pride young Steven had in his dad when he came to Steinert events.

“His son admired his father in so many ways,” Webber noted.

And of course, there was his wife of 31 years, who has helped save lives as an emergency room nurse.

“I’ll never forget meeting his future wife Kathy after a Friday night McCorristin game,” Hamilton said. “You knew she was a keeper – she would drive down every weekend to watch Steve coach.”

Kathy’s eagerness to aid people in poor health meshed perfectly with her husband’s, who beat the Big C and then fought it.

“He was such a hero in dealing with cancer,” McWilliam said. “He became involved with Gary Bushelli in starting

See GAZDEK, Page 32

Gazdek had many positive qualities, but perhaps the most recognized was his ability to stand up to life’s challenges.

RYANS COMMERCIAL

the donations to the V foundation and the American Cancer Society during the start of each high school basketball season.”

Gazdek had many positive qualities to discuss, but perhaps the most recognized was his ability to stand up to life’s challenges in a distinguished manner.

Webber recalled a day Steve underwent a medical procedure and then had Kathy drive him to work to tend to a duty. The principal was so touched he immediately hugged a puzzled Gazdek, who was unaware of his boss’s respect for him.

“Steve Gazdek is synonymous with the words courage, class, strong character and perseverance,” Webber said. “I often attempted to tell him to go home if I thought he didn’t feel well. He never would accept my directive.”

Steve was finally set to receive his kidney transplant after a long wait; but it was canceled in late January due to a lung infection. A lesser man would whine to the world; but Gaz took it in stride; as always.

Soon after, he was gone.

“Many people didn’t know that Gaz battled a lot of different health issues throughout his life,” Hartbauer said. “The reason no one knew was because he never once complained about anything. He showed up every day and gave everything he had for others. The

adversity this man faced was met with his internal competitiveness. His approach to life was that if the whistle hasn’t blown, keep going.”

Sadly, the whistle finally blew on Gaz. But as so many memories come pouring forth, it’s obvious the crowd still cheers for him.

Steve Gazdek, right, with John Costantino and Dee Taylor at an awards dinner event to honor Taylor, who was retiring at Nottingham High athletic director, 2017.

April Events

Notary Oath Night

Thursday, April 6th, 3:00 - 7:00 PM

The Mercer County Clerk’s office will administer the oath to newly commissioned and renewing Notaries. Please call the Mercer County Clerk’s office to schedule (609) 989-6466 or email epagano@mercercounty.org

FREE Blood Pressure Check

Tuesday, April 11th, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Presented by Penn Medicine Princeton Health Community Wellness

Join health professionals with Community Wellness for your Free Blood Pressure Check

**No registration required walk-ins welcome**

FREE 15-Minutes with an Attorney

Thursday, April 13th, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

The Public Education Committee of the Mercer County Bar Association and the Mercer County Executive present!

LAWYERS C.A.R.E*

FREE 15-minute consultation with an Attorney

Lawyers C.A.R.E meeting will take place in-person. Advanced registration is required. For more information please call (609) 890-9800 or visit website: www.mercerbar.com

Personal Safety Pr esentation Mercer County Sheriff Office

Thursday, April 20th, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

This program provides information to Seniors that will focus on reducing the likelihood of becoming a target by identifying potentially dangerous situation. One of the key points of the program is to focus on protecting themselves from becoming a victim with a few basi c tips

Please call 609-890-9800 to reserve space

Miracle League to provide ‘The Ripken Experience’ this July

The Miracle League of Mercer County will be one of four Miracle League baseball teams from around the country to participate in games and tournaments this summer at The Ripken Experience Pigeon Forge (Tennessee).

The Miracle League of Mercer County will play in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee from July 30 to Aug. 2. Ripken Baseball will donate field time and operational expertise to allow children and adults with special needs the opportunity to have a “Big League Experience.”

Ripken Baseball will aim to create an inclusive environment where the players feel like big leaguers on the stateof-the-art fields, complete with walk-up music, umpires, and VIP treatment. Miracle League teams play on turf fields that accommodate wheelchairs and other assertive devices while helping to prevent injuries. The Miracle League and Ripken Baseball will remove the barriers that keep children and adults with mental and physical disabilities on the baseball field and will let them experience the joy of America’s favorite pastime.

Also taking part will be the Pittsburgh Miracle League of the South Hills, founded by ex-Major Leaguer Sean Casey; the Miracle League of Sioux City, Iowa; and the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League of Cincinnati.

“The Miracle League does a tremendous job making our sport more accessible and inclusive for all players,” said Ripken Baseball Co-Founder Cal Ripken, Jr. “When (brother) Billy and I founded Ripken Baseball, we wanted to offer a taste of the Big League experience for youth

teams and their families. We’re thrilled to team up with Miracle League this summer in Pigeon Forge and give their players a travel baseball memory that they’ll cherish forever.”

“Our Miracle League was the 15th such league established back in 2005,” says Dan Sczweck, executive director of the Miracle League of Mercer County. “To be here, 18 years later, working collaboratively with other leagues across the country, with the help of former big league greats like the Ripkens and Sean Casey — is surreal. We’re so excited to provide this opportunity to our players. We’re hoping events like these help increase our exposure and open the door to more support from the community.”

The Miracle League of Mercer County is a registered nonprofit organization dedicated to providing baseball opportunities to individuals with special needs. The first Miracle League field opened in Conyers, Georgia in April 2000. In 2005, the MLMC became the 15th Miracle League to open in the country, and the first in the northeastern region of the United States.

Today, the MLMC serves over 200 active families, providing baseball programs all year round. There are presently over 330 Miracle League organizations across the country, as well as locations in Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada; serving 450,000 plus children and adults every year. For more information or to support the Miracle League of Mercer County and their athletes, contact Dan Sczweck at dan@miracleleaguemercer. org. Web: miracleleaguemercer.org.

Passport Processing

Notary Service

Recycling Buckets

Passport Photos Meeting Room

Voter Registration

957 Highway 33 at Paxson Avenue, Hamilton

Brian M. Hughes, County Executive

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Kitchen fire at Princeton Court Apartments

Bob Sherman, Jr. FIRELINE

Hamilton Township Fire Division responded to 456 incidents in February. Included in the calls were 23 structure fires, one vehicle fire, three brush fires, five rubbish fires, one other type fire, ten medical assists, 175 EMS incidents, one lock-in, nine extrications/rescue calls, 15 combustible liquid spills, three chemical releases, nine electrical wiring problems, one biohazard, four service calls, one person in distress, six water problems, one smoke odor assignment, ten public service requests, five mutual aid cover assignments.

There were 14 good intent calls, 52 calls dispatched and cancelled enroute, six wrong location dispatches, two steam mistaken for smoke, two false alarms, two hazmat investigations, one mischievous false alarm, 24 system or detector malfunctions, 45 unintentional system operations with no fire, one special type incident, one citizen complaint and 23 other type calls.

The following are a selection of incidents served by the Hamilton Township Fire Division in February.

Feb. 1 at 1:37 a.m. Engine 2 with Capt. Jared Gadsby, Truck 2 and Battalion Chief Ferd Mather dispatched to Lily Street for a hazmat assignment.

Feb. 1 at 1:33 p.m. Truck 1 with Joseph Smisoff, Engine 1 and Battalion Chief Jason Ryan dispatched to 100 block of Erie Ave. for a transformer fire.

Feb. 2 at 2:03 p.m. Engine 1 with Capt. Christian Balog, Truck 1, Rescue 1 and Battalion Chief Keith Greene dispatched to 100 block of Sparrow Drive for an interior gas leak.

Feb. 2 at 8:38 p.m. Engine 4 with Capt. Ryan Peach, Truck 2, Rescue 1, Squad 1 and Battalion Chief Shane Mull dispatched to first block of Bear Ct. for an interior gas leak.

Feb. 3 at 9:31 a.m. Engine 3 with Capt. Bernard Crammer, Truck 1, Engine 4, and Battalion Chief Timothy Sharpley dispatched to 1400 block of Chambers Street for an electrical wire fire in a building.

Feb. 3 at 1:47 p.m. Engine 2 with Capt. Damian Cooke responded to Dairy Queen, Arena Dr. for a brush fire.

Feb. 3 at 4:38 p.m. Engine 1 with Capt. Christopher Cooke and Robbinsville Squad 40 were dispatched to assist Robbinsville Police on first block of Kenith Way, Robbinsville.

Feb. 4 at 12:47 p.m. Engine 4 with Capt.

Kevin McElroy, Squad 1, Truck 1, Robbinsville and Upper Freehold units were dispatched to 100 block of Hillside Drive, Robbinsville for a vehicle fire in the driveway with exposure to the dwelling.

Feb. 5 at 12:54 p.m. Rescue 1 with Capt. Jarred Pierson dispatched to State Hwy 33 and George Dye Road for a motor vehicle collusion with injuries.

Feb. 6 at 4:49 a.m. Squad 1 with Capt. Joseph Flynn, Rescue 1, Engine 2 and Battalion Chief Patrick Sullivan dispatched to I-295 exit 60A for a motor vehicle accident – overturned.

Feb. 6 at 7 a.m. Engine 3 with Capt. Stephen Dixon, dispatched to AURO Health, 2500 block of Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Twp. for a commercial fire alarm.

Feb. 7 at 12:36 a.m. Engine 1 with Capt. Christian Balog, Rescue 1, Squad 1, Engines 2 3, Trucks 1, 2 and Battalion Chief Christopher Mull dispatched to Hamilton Continuing Care, Edinburg Road for an interior odor of smoke.

Feb. 7 at 3:50 a.m. Engine 4 with Capt. Ryan Peach and Truck 2 dispatched to North Main Street, Allentown for an interior smoke condition.

Feb. 7 at 3:48 p.m. Engine 1 with Capt. Christopher Conti, Truck 1 and Battalion Chief Kinte Holt dispatched to 100 block of Gary Drive for an uncontrolled water leak in the basement.

Feb. 8 at 12:02 a.m. Engine 4 with Capt. Michael Danbury and Truck 1 dispatched to Chatham Ct., Robbinsville for

Rescue 1 and Battalion Chief Jason Ryan dispatched to 800 block of Samuel Street for a brush fire with exposure.

Feb. 11 at 3:07 p.m. Engine 2 with Capt. Damion Cooks dispatched for a cover assignment at Trenton Fire Headquarters

Feb. 12 at 3:25 p.m. Engine 2 with Capt. Jarrett Gadsby, Squad 1, Engines 3, Rescue 1, Trucks 1, 2 and Battalion Chief Ferd Mather dispatched to 1700 block of Genesee Street for an oven fire.

Feb. 12 at 9:52 p.m. Squad 1 with Capt. Joseph Flynn dispatched along with units from Lawrence Twp for an apartment fire on East Run Drive, Lawrence.

Feb. 13 at 3:30 p.m. Truck 2 with Capt. Donald Snedeker, Squad 1, Truck 2 Rescue 1 Engines 1, 2, 4 and Battalion Chief Jason Ryan dispatched to2000 block of Kuser Road for a reported dwelling fire. Chimney fire.

Feb. 13 at 5:43 p.m. Squad 1 with Capt. Joseph Flynn, Engines 2, 3, 4, Rescue 1, Trucks 1, 2, and Battalion Chief Jason Ryan dispatched to the area of Baylor Road and Independence Avenue for a reported dwelling fire. Arriving unit found a fire in a fire pit.

an interior smoke condition.

Feb. 8 at 7:50 a.m. Truck 1 with Capt. Jason Bergstrom dispatched to Hilton Garden Inn, Lenox Dr., Lawrence for a reported building fire. Police on scene reported a fire in the main maintenance room.

Feb. 8 at 11:38 a.m. Engine 4 with Capt. Kevin McElroy and Truck 1 dispatched to Tynemouth Ct., Robbinsville for an interior odor of smoke.

Feb. 9 at 9:31 a.m. Squad 1 with Capt. Joseph Flynn dispatched to Lawrence Dr., Princeton for an interior smoke condition.

Feb. 9 at 2:44 p.m. Engine 1 with Capt. Michael Danbury and Truck 2 dispatched to 100 block of Voelbel Ed., Robbinsville for smoke in the building.

Feb. 10 at 11:21 Engine 4 with Capt. Ryan Peach dispatched to Station 41, Hightstown Engine Co. for a cover assignment.

Feb. 10 at 5 p.m. Engine 4 with Capt. Ryan Peach dispatched to 600 block of Yardville Allentown Road for a brush fire.

Feb. 11 at 1:34 p.m. Truck 2 with Capt. Josue Garcia, Engine 2 and Battalion Chief Keith Greene responded to a second alarm dwelling fire with victim trapped at 302 Berwyn Ave. Ewing Twp. First Ewing firefighters on scene reported flames visible throughout the dwelling.

Feb. 11 at 2:02 p.m. Squad 1 with Capt. Michael Sanna, Engines, 1, 3,4, Truck 1,

Feb. 14 at 12:06 a.m. Engine 1 with Capt. Donald Snyder, Engine 4, Truck 1 were dispatched along with Robbinsville Squad 40 to Sharon Arms Apartments, Sharon Road, Robbinsville for a dwelling fire.

Feb. 14 at 6:53 a.m. Rescue 1 with Capt. Jarred Pierson, Squad 1, and Battalion Chief Jason Ryan were dispatched for a Rapid Response Activation to West Trenton Volunteer Fire Company for a standby precaution.

Feb. 16 at 12:36 p.m. A Brighton Drive woman called Hamilton Police after she became ill from inhaling a white powder substance found on a Amazon package she opened. Hamilton Fire Hazmat and Trenton Fire Hazmat with Battalion Chief Nicholas Buroczi Sr. responded to the scene. The substance was found to be nonlethal.

Feb. 16 at 1:17 p.m. Engine 4 with Capt. Kevin McElroy, Truck 2. Engines 2. 3 and Battalion Chief Ferd Mather dispatched to 100 block of Carlisle Ave. for a reported furnace fire,

Feb. 17 at 4:08 a.m. Engine 2 with Capt. Jarrett Gadsby dispatched to the area of QuickChek, South Olden Ave. where shots were fired. Hamilton Police did arrest two suspects alleged to have fired the shots.

Feb. 18 at 12:09 p.m. Rescue 1 with Capt. Michael Danbury, Engine 3, Squad 1 and Battalion Chief Christian Mull dispatched to Interstate 295, Sloan Ave.

Hamilton Engine Co. 2 C Platoon: Capt. Damian Cooke, firefighter Dave Krueger and Capt. Michael Sanna.

ramp for a motor vehicle rescue crash, over turned vehicle. The driver was trapped in the wreckage. Firefighters started extrication but discovered the victim was deceased. Victim was extricated from the vehicle at approximately 3:30 p.m. by firefighters. The crash was under investigation by NJSP.

Feb. 18 at 7:03 p.m. Engine 1 with Capt. Chris Balog dispatched as EMS to 2100 block of Silver Court for a gunshot victim.

Feb. 19 at 3:37 a.m. Truck 2 with Capt. Joseph Pushman and Squad 1 dispatched to 4100 block of South Broad Street for a transformer fire.

Feb. 20 at 11:14 p.m. Engine 3 with Capt. Nicola Cero., Truck 1 and Battalion Chief Ferd Mather dispatched to 200 block of Connecticut Ave. for wires on fire.

Feb. 21 at 4:50 p.m. Hamilton Fire Police were dispatched to Hughes Drive and Quakerbridge Road for traffic control due to the aftermath of the tornado closing Quakerbridge Road. Responding were seven fire police officers. Normal operations resumed at 10 p.m.

Feb. 21 at 6:16 p.m. Rescue 1 with Capt. Jarred Pierson, Engines 1,2, 4, Trucks 1, 2, Squad 1 and Battalion Chief Patrick Sullivan dispatched to 200 block of Natrona Ave. for a reported dwelling fire, careless cooking.

Feb. 22 at 10:58 a.m. Engine 2 with Capt. Ryan Shearer, Truck 1 and Battalion Chief Keith Greene dispatched to Arena Dr. and Reeves Ave. for a vehicle fire.

Feb. 23 at 5:39 a.m. Rescue 1 with Capt. Eric DeVita, Engines 1, 2, 3, Trucks 1, 2, Squad 1 and Battalion Chief Keith Greene dispatched to 200 block of Regina Ave. for a furnace fire.

Feb. 23 at 10:31 Engine 4 with Capt. Michael Danbury dispatched as EMS to Quakerbridge Rd and Brookwood Rd for a pedestrian/motor vehicle accident.

Feb. 24 at 6:24 a.m. Engine 2 with Capt. Jarrett Gadsby, Truck 2 and Battalion Chief Chris Mull dispatched to 200 block of Patterson Ave. where a driver struck a utility pole causing the transformer to spark.

Feb. 24 at 3:41o.m. Engine 1 with Capt. Eric Wojcik dispatched to Forman Drive for a reported dwelling fire. Rubbish fire with exposure to the building, minor damage.

Feb. 24 at 7:11 p.m. Engine 2 with Capt. Jarrett Gadsby and Battalion Chief Ferd Mather dispatched mutual aid to Trenton to cover Engine 3/Ladder 2 South Broad Street. At. .7:37 p.m. they were relocated to Engine 1/Ladder 1, Rev S. Howard Woodson Jr. Way. At 7:40 p.m. Engine 2 responded to the Market Street and Greenwood Ave. for a motor vehicle rescue assignment. Overturned vehicle.

Feb. 24 at 11:58 p.m. Engine 1 with Capt. Eric Wojcik, Rescue 1, Engines 2, 4, Truck 1, 2, Squad 1 and Battalion Chief Nicholas Buroczi Sr. dispatched to 300 block George Dye Rd for an interior odor of smoke.

Feb. 25 at 11:07 a.m. Engine 3 with Capt. Joseph Horn and Battalion Chief Jason Ryan dispatched to Trenton Mercer Airport, Scotch Road for a multi alarm building fire. Caller reported building on fire on the airport grounds with flames through the roof.

Feb. 25 at 1:15 p.m. Truck 2 with Capt. Donald Snedeker dispatched to Trenton FD Headquarters Engine 10/Ladder 4, Perry Street for a mutual aid cover assignment. Trenton had a 3 alarm fire on Spring Street. At 2:44 p.m. Truck 2 responded to 400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. for a residential fire alarm.

Feb. 24 at 1:52 p.m. Colonial’s Special Services 18 was requested to refill air bottles at the Spring Street fire. Responding were volunteers Danny Birkenstock and Don Lorie.

Feb. 26 at 8:25 p.m. Squad 1 with Capt. William Kohut, Truck 1, Engine 3 dispatched to 500 block of Princeton Kingston Road. Princeton for an appliance fire, dishwasher. Caller reported a cat was still in the house.

Feb. 27 at 3:55 a.m. Engine 3 with Capt. Stephen Dixon, Engines 1, 2, Rescue 1, Trucks 1, 2, Squad 1 and Battalion Chief Keith Greene dispatched to 800 block of Norway Ave. for an interior smoke condition.

Feb. 27 at 4:27 a.m. Squad 1 with Capt. William Kohut dispatched to Penn Medicine Princeton Behavioral Health, Princeton, for an appliance fire.

Feb. 27 at 9:39 p.m. Rescue 1 with Capt. Jason Bergstrom, Trucks 1, 2 , Engines 1,2,3, Squad 1 and Battalion Chief Timothy Sharpley dispatched to Princeton Court Apartments, 700 block of Estates Blvd. for an apartment fire. Command called the “All Hands” assignment and reported three hose lines in service. Colonial’s Special Services 18 with volunteer Danny Birkenstock responded. Fire Marshal Jeff Peoples investigated the kitchen fire.

Feb. 28 at 12:38 p.m. Truck 1 with Capt. Jason Bergstrom dispatched to Dove Court to assist a citizen with smoke alarm service.

Feb. 28 at 7:50 p.m. Engine 1 with Capt. Michael Kieran and Truck 1 dispatched to Donna Street, Robbinsville for a reported dwelling fire, trash can on fire in the garage.

Bob Sherman, Jr. is an honorary chief and life member of Mercerville Volunteer Fire Company and a Hamilton resident.

THE

HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP ANNOUCES NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE

DIRECTOR

THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP

Shop Small, Shop Local, Shop Hamilton.

ANNOUCES NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As you shop this summer please remember to support our local small businesses and our neighbors and friends who own them. Visit our websites Hamilton-Strong.com and ShopHamiltonNJ.com

Jeannine Cimino Board Chairman Rachel Holland Executive Director

The Hamilton Partnership is proud to announce Jeannine Cimino, as newly elected Chaiman of the Board and Rachel Holland as the newly appointed Executive Director.

Jeannine Cimino Rachel Holland Executive Director

Since 1993, The Hamilton Partnership has worked with community business leaders, government officials, and private decision-makers to deliver services and employment opportunities that are essential to Hamilton Township’s continued success.

The Hamilton Partnership is proud to announce Jeannine Cimino Board and Executive Director.

Congratulations to Jeannine and Rachel, the first females to serve in each of their roles!

Since 1993, The Hamilton Partnership has worked with community business leaders, government officials, and private decision-makers to deliver services and employment opportunities that are essential to Hamilton Township’s continued success.

Jeannine Cimino, Chair, William Penn Bank Rachel Holland, Executive Director Gregory Blair (Emeritus), Nottingham Insurance Co. Hon. Jeff Martin, Mayor, Hamilton Township

Source: Unkown

@thehamiltonpartnership @Hamiltonnjstrong #HamiltonNJStrong

Lee Boss, The Mercadien Group

Congratulations to Jeannine and Rachel, the first females to serve in each of their roles!

Gerard Fennelly, NAI Fennelly

Richard Freeman, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton Frank Lucchesi, PSE&G

Patrick M. Ryan, First Bank

THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP EXECUTIVE BOARD

Tom Troy, Sharbell Development Corp.

Since 1993, The Hamilton Partnership has worked with community business leaders, government o cials, and private decision-makers to deliver services and employment opportunities that are essential to Hamilton Township’s continued success.

Jeannine Cimino, Chair, William Penn Bank

Gerard Fennelly, NAI Fennelly Richard Freeman, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton Frank Lucchesi, PSE&G

To anyone who thinks that comma placement is unimportant, I would draw your attention to the title of this column, which does not refer to a sex-filled, moneymaking potboiler-turned-movie, but rather to the fact that last month I, along with approximately 4 million other Americans, turned 50.

50 snuck up on me; I don’t feel 50 years old, and apparently I’m not alone in that. A recent article in The Atlantic cites a study revealing that most adults over 40 feel themselves to be an average 20% younger than their chronological age. The reasons for this phenomenon aren’t yet fully explained, but seem to include health, happiness, an innate sense of optimism, attitude toward aging, and more. An interviewee for the article mentions a “vigor-maturity index,” which seems as good a term as any to represent the unavoidable trade-off between physical vitality and wisdom from hardearned experience.

Still, there are plenty of fifty year olds who delight in physical activity, following the mold of Molly Shannon’s Sally O’Malley character on Saturday Night Live, who liked to say (whether auditioning for the Rockettes or the Bada Bing Strip Club), “I’m 50! 50 years old! I like to kick, stretch, and kick!”

There are many online “tests” to determine your “mental age”—I took three and got results of 40, 34, and 33. But with questions like “Do you enjoy laughing at other people?” (Yes) and “Do you care about your style?” (No) These seem about as scientific as a Harry Potter Sorting Hat quiz, several of which I’ve taken (Gryffindor). As the body ages, some of us indulge in immaturity to goose the vigor-maturity index numbers. 50 is a milestone, but in some ways it’s a millstone around one’s neck. It’s old

enough to be considered “old” by the 64% or so of the population that’s under 50, but not old enough to collect Social Security, be easily forgiven for offering unfiltered, politically incorrect opinions, or even buy a home in an Over-55 community.

I’ve always been attracted to the “Respect Your Elders” style names of these housing developments: “Vintage,” “Evergreen,” and the like. I thought I found a new one the other day called “Yesterday’s Treasures,” but it was actually a thrift store.

There aren’t any good names for fifty year olds themselves, however. At 80 you become an “octogenarian,” at 70 a “septuagenarian,” and at 60, you gain access to the highly coveted title “sexagenarian.” But at 50? You’re quinquagenarian, a word that sounds more like the product of a pharmaceutical marketing company brainstorming session than a Latin-based age-descriptive.

After reaching the half-century mark, I felt I deserved better. So, inspired by “centenarian,” the term for 100 year olds, and the rapper-turned-businessman Fifty Cent, I dubbed myself “Half Cent.” I also considered half-centurion, which sounded pretty cool but for some reason kept reminding me of the limbless Black Knight in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Some people consider 50 to be the halfway point of life, but that seems overly optimistic, given the scarcity of centenarians in America today (.03%). I’ve decided instead to make age 89 my goal, which would allow for another viewing of Halley’s Comet (it last appeared in 1986). With a full 2% of Americans age 89 or older as of the 2020 Census, it’s not common but definitely doable. I realize, of course, that if I’m lucky enough to survive to age 89, there’s about a 99% chance that instead of fading gracefully and gratefully into the universe, I’ll be extending the age

limit on that goal, even if the process is about as graceful as… well, the average 89-year-old.

In 50 years, I’ve gone from not understanding the references of people older than me to not understanding the references of people younger than me. Those younger people don’t get any of my references, either—references like, say, Molly Shannon, Monty Python, Fifty Cent, and even Fifty Shades of Grey.

Celebrating 50 is different from earlier birthdays. Candles have long since become representative rather than literal, especially since no one really wants someone blowing out half a hundred candles over a cake in the post-Covid era. If someone gave me 50 birthday punches, there’s a good chance I’d end up in the hospital.

So I celebrated, in part, by joining AARP and scheduling a series of overdue medical checkups. My hoped-for dream of age-related farsightedness balancing out my longtime nearsightedness has fallen flat; instead, my optometrist told me to try wearing one contact lens in one eye for reading, and a different lens in the other eye for distance. This sounded unbearably inconvenient, until I reminded myself that in the caveman era, I’d have been eaten by some predatory animal long before such concerns ever

arose—a more inconvenient situation by far.

In the year 1900, the life expectancy for a baby was just 47 years (I’m guessing that in the caveman era, it was significantly less). Being alive at my age is a victory in itself, and a study by the Brookings Institute revealed that past age 50, happiness, as measured by life satisfaction, rises steadily. So there is cause to celebrate—even if there’s a little more creak in the joints, and shades of gray in the beard.

The interesting thing about being “over the hill” is that it indicates, logically, that “it’s all downhill from here,” an expression that can mean it all gets easier from this point forward, or that it all gets harder. Maybe it’s both, and how it appears in the moment just depends on your perspective—or which of two contact lenses it’s viewed through.

Peter Dabbene’s website is peterdabbene.com and his previous Hamilton Post columns can be read at communitynews.org. His latest works, the story “Farewell Tour” and the poem “The Lotus Eater” can be read at potatosoupjournal.com and blueasanorange.weebly.com/currentissue, respectively.

Peace of Mind.

Your insurance shouldn’t be what keeps you up at night. Whether your needs are personal or business related, Nottingham Insurance of fer s an extensive selection of insurance products. W ith over 100 years of experience, we work with you to get the right coverage at an af fordable price So that you can focus on what is impor tant. We’re t here when life happens.

Your insurance shouldn’t be what keeps you up at night. Whether your needs are personal or business related, Nottingham Insurance of fer s an extensive selection of insurance products. W ith over 100 years of experience, we work with you to get the right coverage at an af fordable price. So that you can focus on what is impor tant. We’re t here when life happens.

9 questions with sculptor Constantin Cotty Nazarie

What fight/struggle do you have regarding your art?

Constantin Cotty Nazarie is a sculptor who lives in Hamilton. He is a family man, who works as a production supervisor for the world famous sculptor Jeff Koons in his Koons’ Morrisville, Pennsylvania studio.

Nicknamed Cotty by classmates in his native Bucharest, Romania, he is a stone sculptor. He is prolific, trained in Italy, and is very friendly and down to earth. His art encompasses many styles. He produces art from his immediate feelings and inspirations. His works are abstract but still personal and can be introspective for all of us.

When did you begin in the arts?

I started about 9-10 sculpting with mashed potatoes at dinner, driving my grandmother crazy as I took two hours to “sculpt” before I would finish eating. In grade school, art class felt like a prison or factory where we were given materials and had to produce.

In middle school, I had a teacher who was a trained stone sculptor. He brought in a small sculpture he had made and put it on his desk. It was as if all went dark in the room except for that sculpture, bathed in heavenly light. That moment is very alive in my mind after many years. Which media do you work in?

After initially starting in painting, I was attracted to the perfection of three dimensional work. Nothing is more complete than 3D sculpture. It is like a painting that you can walk around in. Which is your favorite material to sculpt with and why?

I love natural stone, because of the elegance of the material, the versatility, and the durability. The process of gradually cutting out pieces of material

until you get the desired shape and texture is the best part. The stone is also unforgiving, with a bad outcome if the process is not planned and executed well.

How did you end up in the U.S.?

At age 24, I left my native Romania to open a sculpture studio in Italy, near Naples. At 36, I visited a friend in the U.S.. During our trip, we visited the Grounds for Sculpture. I wanted to be a part of this unique business of the Johnson Atelier, where sculpture was made and so close to the sculpture park itself.

During my time at the Johnson Atelier Stone division, I met many famous artists and young up and coming artists too. I have been here ever since, and have now been with the Jeff Koons Studio for more than 10 years.

Who are some of your inspirations or influences?

My countryman artist Constantin Brancusi was an early influence. As was Jean Arp, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore. I was also blessed with a terrific mentor here in the U.S. with sculptor Isaac Witkin. I worked on many

of his sculptures, both fabricating and maintaining. I have fond memories of our time together, talking about everything under the sun, especially during road trips we would make to install his work. Do you work on multiple pieces at once?

Me, trying to work on multiple pieces at the same time is like eating with two hands from two different plates. It is not pleasurable then, it is just a process. When I start a project, I work on it, I dream about it, I sleep on it, I eat on it, and I breathe that project. It is so intense and the only thing on my mind. Once all is complete, then I can move to the next project. My wife says, “I am a one-task man!”

My only real struggle is when I work on a larger piece of sculpture. This may involve large cranes, a larger spaces, trucks to transport when finished. I have tens of thousands dollars’ worth of tools and they wear out from the hardness and abrasiveness of the stone.

Though somewhat abstract your work conveys meanings and message. Do the viewers understand what you wish them to?

Most of my work is conceptual with a sense of abstractness. I am very interested in the human condition and symbolism of that. Without a title and proper explanation it is sometime a little challenging to the viewer to understand what I am trying to project.

Sometimes I just try to research and portray a pure shape without a solid meaning. I just let the stone guide my chisel in the right direction. Other times I wish to attach a criteria, a story to the stone, and through my imagination to emphasize certain aspects of my emotions and feelings toward the subject. What are you working on now?

My latest piece is titled Wisdom and will be donated to a Hamilton-based charity foundation to raise funds for people in need. The sculpture reflects and was inspired by the wisdom of these tireless volunteers who do so much for those in need. My work comes in short bursts of energy after a longer time of research to obtain a clear theme. My mentor Isaac Witkin told me, “If you don’t have anything to say, then don’t say anything!” In other words don’t do anything unless you have a precise goal and a process to achieve it.

Thomas Kelly FIGHT IN THE MUSEUM

Hamilton-based Romanian artist Constantin Cotty Nazarie.

“Wisdom” stone sculpture by Constantin Cotty Nazarie.

NOTICE TO PERSONS WANTING MAIL-IN BALLOTS

If you are a qualified and registered voter of New Jersey who wants to vote by mail in the Primary Election to be held on June 6, 2023, the following applies:

• You must be registered as a Democrat or Republican by no later than April 12, 2023 to be able to receive a mail-in ballot.

• You must complete the application form below and send it to the county clerk where you reside or write or apply in person to the county clerk where you reside to request a mail-in ballot.

• The name, address, and signature of any person who has assisted you to complete the mail-in ballot application must be provided on the application, and you must sign and date the application.

• No person may serve as an authorized messenger

Dated: April 11,

or bearer for more than three qualified voters in an election but a person may serve as such for up to five qualified voters in an election if those voters are immediate family members residing in the same household as the messenger or bearer.

• No person who is a candidate in the election for which the voter requests a mail-in ballot may provide any assistance in the completion of the ballot or serve as an authorized messenger or bearer.

• A person who applies for a mail-in ballot must submit his or her application so that it is received at least seven days before the election, but such person may request an application in person from the county clerk up to 3 p.m. of the day before the election.

• Voters who want to vote by mail in all future

elections will, after their initial request and without further action on their part, be provided with a mail-in ballot until the voter requests otherwise in writing.

• Application forms may be obtained by applying to the undersigned either in writing or by telephone. Or the application form provided below may be completed and forwarded to the undersigned.

• If you are currently signed up to receive mail-in ballots, but wish to now vote at the polls, either on Election Day or before, in accordance with NJ’s new “Early Voting” law, you must first opt out of vote by mail by notifying the county clerk in writing at the address below. You may find a form for removal from the permanent list on the Mercer County Clerk’s website at www.mercercounty.org/ government/county-clerk/elections.

When it’s time to see a doctor about a wound that isn’t healing

And please, for them, stay home and safe.

Ask The Doctor

The Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton) Center for Wound Healing can help those suffering from a wound that won’t heal.

“We have been extremely successful in treating chronic wounds that have previously resisted healing,” says Reza A. Shah, DO, FACOS, FACS, FAPWCA, CMET, Co-Medical Director at the Center for Wound Healing at RWJUH Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility.

“Our skilled staff of physicians and nurses have advanced training in wound management and hyperbaric medicine, and can develop and implement an individualized course of treatment specific to a patient’s diagnosis and needs.”

What are some common types of chronic wounds?

We treat wounds associated with different conditions, but the most common ones we see are diabetic ulcers,

pgs

venous stasis ulcers and pressure ulcers. Sometimes people with diabetes may suffer nerve damage and lose sensation in their feet. This can be a problem because even a small cut may go unnoticed and then become more serious. We also help with slow-healing wounds, crush injuries, compromised surgical grafts and radiation-related wounds we see in some cancer patients receiving radiation treatments.

How can I prevent a chronic wound?

If you have diabetes, check your feet daily and avoid going barefoot or wearing shoes that rub on your feet. Circulatory issues, including poorly functioning arteries and veins, can also contribute to chronic wounds by limiting the supply of oxygen needed for healing. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns. Delaying treatment can lead to infection and in severe cases possible amputation. What treatments are available?

INTRO DUCING INTRO DUCING INTRO DUCING INTRO DUCING INTRO DUCING

modalities that are specialized for each patient.

We may consult with other doctors and conduct testing, such as an assessment of blood vessels to identify and treat circulatory issues. Working as a team, we have an acute focus on quality and monitoring the support for the best possible healing rate.

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a simple, non-invasive, painless medical treatment that enhances the body’s natural healing process and strengthens the immune system. Delivered by trained specialists, HBOT therapy is an effective treatment option for most chronic wounds, resulting in more rapid and complete healing for patients. During hyperbaric oxygen therapy, you breathe 100% pure oxygen while inside a pressurized chamber.

The pressure inside is about 2 ½ times greater than the normal pressure in the atmosphere. We have two hyperbaric chambers at RWJUH Hamilton and these can also be used when treating treat wounds like gas embolism, acute carbon monoxide poisoning, cyanide poisoning and decompression sickness.

After an initial evaluation and consultation, wound assessment and health evaluation, we can develop a treatment plan for the patient. Our patients are given instructions on at-home wound care, including dressing changes and protection of your wound from additional injury and further complications,” adds Dr. Shah.

To make an appointment or learn more, call The Center for Wound Healing at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton at 609-249-8300.

Coming up this month at RWJU Hospital Hamilton

For more information, call (609) 5845900. To register for a program or for schedule changes go to rwjbh.org/events.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5

Orthopedic Open House: Joint Replacement. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Discover the latest advances in knee and hip replacement surgery. Learn how the Center for Orthopedic & Spine Health and our rehabilitation team prepare you for a successful joint replacement. Presented by Arjun Saxena, MD, MBA, a fellowship trained, board certified orthopaedic surgeon, along with Maureen Stevens, PT, DPT, GCS, Cert MDT, and Courtney Fluehr, PT, DPT. Dinner is included.

Does The Ringing in Your Ears Drive You Crazy?

For more information or to make an appointment with an RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group Primary Care Provider, scan the QR code at right or call 888-724-7123.

April 5; 10 to 11 a.m. 25 million Americans suffer from Tinnitus and sound sensitivity. Join Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., A.B.A., as she discusses the phenomenon of Tinnitus and Sound Sensitivity Syndrome and various treatment options for relief.

SUNDAY, APRIL 16

Holistic Health Fair. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A FREE wellness community event offers incredible healing, uplift and transformation! Explore what’s new in holistic health, mindfulness and spiritual growth. Learn from the finest holistic experts and practitioners, and enjoy featured vendors, mini sessions, workshops, demonstrations and guest speakers.

TUESDAY, APRIL 18

Real Self-Care for All Caregivers. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Caring for aging loved ones, children, or clients; we can’t truly care for others until we care for ourselves. Self-care isn’t selfish, rather, it’s essential. Fee:$15 Michelle Gerdes, Princeton Doula Center, YT200.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19

Diabetes Q&A. 2 to 3 p.m. This informative session with Shesha Desai, Pharm D, Rph, BCADM will bring clarification to any questions you may have about diabetes.

THURSDAY, APRIL 10

Spring Cleaning: Organize Your Kitchen. 10-11 a.m. Give yourself and your kitchen a fresh start this spring! Learn new ways to organize your space and maximize efficiency for a tidy kitchen you will love to cook in.

Better Health Programs

These complimentary programs for those ages 65+ will engage your mind, encourage you to move and help you reflect. Registration required for all programs. Call (609) 584-5900 or visit us on the web at www.rwjbh.org/events.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5

Let’s Talk, a Senior Social Group. Also April 12, & 19. 10 to 11 a.m. Join us for our ongoing program “Let’s Talk, a Senior Social Group,” gathering in a collaborative setting to exchange thoughts, feelings and experiences amongst peers. This is a safe zone designed to be welcoming and understanding of all attendees while exploring this season of our lives – the ups and the challenges. If you would like to submit topics, please email bhprogram@ rwjbh.org. All requests will be anonymous.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13

Discussions with Sara Ali, MD - Defeating Diabetes. 1 to 2 p.m. Dr. Ali and Lalitha Sukumar, Pharm.D, Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist will breakdown what you need to know to understand and manage your diabetes effectively.

Dr. Reza Shah